over disseminations. Iran's national security council has approved a system whereby paid internet facilities are granted to certain groups. Daily users are limited to 30 minutes, and for an inclusive monthly cost of £10. Permits are valid only for a period of six months. The average fee works out at £1 13s. 4d. a week. The scheme, which applies to internal and external news, contemplates users of "Internet Pro" mainly for business purposes, and not, as hitherto, for political ends.
All transmittals are censored and subject to stoppage, the censorship being exercised by military officers at selected points. The first Iranian "Internet Pro" users are trade and commercial firms, banks, and newspapers. The latter receive a daily service of press news from Europe, and transmit it to local agents for local publication. Permits are also granted to individuals, provided they have business in hand that requires personal attention abroad. For these, the internet cost is £3 a month, and the time allowance 15 minutes daily.
Original dispatch: In Iran, internet access becomes a luxury for the few