Many own homes abroad but return to Iran in the summer to visit relatives. It is not uncommon for the elite to own apartments in London, Paris, New York or Washington. To these jet-setters NITV is a link not only with the past but with other Iranians scattered around the globe. It is unclear whether the authorities in Iran, who are certainly aware of NITV, plan to confiscate the dishes and cut Iranians' connection to each other. In recent weeks prominent conservatives, including former President Hashemi Rafsanjani, have declared that satellite dishes should be legalised.
Modern technology makes it difficult for clerical rule to be enforced, however.
Iranians who can afford it have had hidden satellite dishes on their rooftops for years. In addition, two new radio stations run by Iranians in the US are broadcasting to Iran on short wave frequencies. And there is little anyone can do to stop it.