[liberationtech] Looking for iOS VPN service

[Nariman Gharib]

Hi Libtech,

As the Head of Online Development at Manoto TV, I am writing to require
assistance from
 a company who
​can ​
provide us with secure VPN service for users inside Iran.

Manoto is the leading Iranian Live Satellite TV channel based in London,
with far more viewership than any of our competitors. Many big brands have
selected our TV channel as a primary media partner to deliver
its advertising message to regional businesses. Manoto TV is the premier
business media in the region viewed by over 25 million people.

​Manoto TV has always been a target for Iranian government, from satellite
Jamming to DDoS and Phishing attacks.
​L
ast year we launched the equivalent show to the UK's X-factor, called 'Stage
<https://www.manototv.com/videos/80257/vid8135>'.  Throughout the show,
audience were able to engage and vote, using the provided phone number, as
well as the android app and the website. However, due to
governmental restrictions, all numbers were blocked by the Iranian
government, an hour after it was announced, leaving the audience with the
website and the mentioned android app to vote from. Despite all
restrictions, the cooperation of the VPN services, 'Lantern', (GetLantern.org)
allowed
 people inside Iran to be able to easily access our website. As a result,
we also implemented Lantern into our android application.
To test the beta version of our new app please see the link bellow:

 ​
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mtn.manoto.beta
​


This worked in the favor of both parties, since millions of current
users joint lantern due to the Manoto's advertising at the time.


S
​tage will start from 10th of Jan 2017 and we are currently seeking a VPN
service for iOS platform to allow our audience to access our iOS app and
bypass the internet censorship. Please note, this would be generating a lot
of traffic towards your services from this particular region.

​My suggestions:
1- We can create a popup window in our iOS app in order to promote other
iOS Applications. Users can therefore access the app directly from app
store.
2- We can implement your VPN service within the app by using your API.
3- Manoto will promote your app and in return you can provide us with
exclusive promotional codes (e.g 12 months free membership) allowing our
audience to use it without any issues.

Should you require more information about the above mentioned points,
please do not hesitate to contact myself directly.

*useful links: *

   - https://www.ft.com/content/b7bb7a08-a198-11e2-bae1-00144feabdc0 Primetime
   battle for Iran’s airwaves The Islamic regime in Tehran could intensify a
   crackdown on satellite dishes
   - http://freemuse.org/archives/11708 Iran: Singer banned from tv and
   festival
   - http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-iran-tv-idUKBRE83H0QX20120418
London
   TV channel dips a toe into Iran culture war
   - http://foreignpolicy.com/2016/02/03/how-iranian-spies-tried-
   to-entrap-me-in-a-pret-a-manger/
   <http://foreignpolicy.com/2016/02/03/how-iranian-spies-tried-to-entrap-me-in-a-pret-a-manger/>
 Iranian
   Spies Tried to Entrap Me in a Pret A Manger
   - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/08/telegram-the-
   instant-messaging-app-freeing-up-iranians-conversations
   <https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/08/telegram-the-instant-messaging-app-freeing-up-iranians-conversations>
    Telegram: the instant messaging app freeing up Iranians' conversations
   - http://observers.france24.com/en/20121220-iran-dismantle-sat
   ellite-dishes-tv-tehran Iran’s war on satellite dishes: “We just buy new
   ones the next day"


-- 
PGP: 0xa53963936999cbb6
@NarimanGharib <https://twitter.com/narimangharib>
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