H.R. 10832: Internet Reach and Access Now Act

This bill would update U.S. policy and government coordination on helping people in Iran get around internet shutdowns and censorship. It focuses on tools and services such as satellite-based direct-to-cell communications, virtual private networks (VPNs), eSIM technology, and other ways of maintaining access to the internet when the Iranian government restricts it.

What the bill would change

• Updates the State Department’s strategy for promoting internet freedom and access to information in Iran.

• Requires the State Department to review and regularly update that strategy, and to report progress to Congress.

• Asks federal agencies to coordinate more closely so that sanctions and export-control rules do not unintentionally block Iranian civilians from getting access to secure communications tools.

Satellite and direct-to-cell coverage

• Directs the FCC, when approving certain satellite-related licenses or market access, to consider encouraging providers not to intentionally disable, degrade, or block coverage over Iran.

• Makes exceptions for cases where blocking is required by U.S. law, an FCC order, an international coordination agreement to prevent interference, or a short-term security issue.

• States that the U.S. should oppose international proposals that would specifically exclude Iran from these services.

• Requires the Secretary of State to brief Congress on actions taken and on any known cases where an operator intentionally excluded Iran, including why it happened.

Cybersecurity support for civil society

• Requires the State Department to seek to expand programs that provide cybersecurity training to journalists, human rights defenders, and other civil society actors in Iran.

• Calls for providing digital safety tools, especially VPNs and encrypted messaging apps.

• Calls for multilingual materials warning users about regime-controlled apps and phishing campaigns.

• Requires evaluations of how well these programs work, including a Government Accountability Office review within 3 years.

Funding

• Authorizes $15 million for each of fiscal years 2027 and 2028 for these activities, including programs that expand access to secure VPN services for people in Iran.

What it does not do

• It does not change sanctions law generally or authorize transactions that are otherwise prohibited.

• It does not require satellite or direct-to-cell companies to sell services in Iran if doing so would violate U.S. law.

• It does not limit presidential authority under emergency economic powers laws.

Relevant Companies

• TSLA — If direct-to-cell or satellite connectivity tools become more widely used or supported, companies involved in satellite-enabled communications or connected-device ecosystems could see indirect effects. Tesla itself is not directly named, but its vehicles have satellite/connectivity-related business lines through its broader technology ecosystem.

• ASTS — AST SpaceMobile could be directly affected because the bill specifically discusses direct-to-cell satellite communications and encourages preserving such coverage over Iran.

• IRDM — Iridium may be affected because it operates satellite communications services and could be subject to policy changes around coverage, licensing, and market access.

• VSAT — Viasat could be affected through its satellite communications business, especially where licensing or coverage decisions relate to Iran.

• GSAT — Globalstar could be indirectly affected if policy changes around satellite connectivity expand demand for or regulatory focus on satellite communications tools.