The seizure rate represents one dish for every 57 people in the small north-western province with a population of around 971,000.
The confiscations are the latest measures that are part of the regime’s desperation to cut its people off from the outside world.
The state-run Mehr news agency – linked to the Ministry of Intelligence and Security – quoted Zanjan social affairs director Mansour Moradlou as saying: “The use of satellite receivers in villages in Zanjan province is alarming.
“The villages are vulnerable to social damage and the expanded use of satellite dishes is an indication of this.
“There needs to be extensive planning to counter such a cultural offensive. The religious organizations and clerics should be used in best possible ways in this regard.”
The Culture and Satellite Communications Research Center has also admitted the use of satellites is booming, with one official saying earlier this year: “Based on research. 60 percent of people are viewing satellite channels, and the number is increasing.”
Zanjan was also the scene of the first arrest of people selling VPN software, which can by-pass the regime’s censorship of the Internet by appearing to be logged on in another country.
Zanjan’s police chief said of the arrest of one man: “Following efforts by the police, the seller was identified, digital documents were collected and the order for arrest was issued. The accused confessed after being presented with the documents.”