Baghdad: The head of the Media Commission, Nofal Abu Ragheef, held discussions with Starlink’s global licensing official on the requirements for work and ensuring sovereignty over radio space. A statement from the Commission revealed that Nawfal Abu Ragheef, Chairman of the Communications and Media Commission, hosted Rebecca Hunter, Starlink-SpaceX’s Senior Official for Global Licensing and Market Activation, at the Commission’s headquarters in Baghdad to discuss regulatory procedures for the Starlink service within Iraq.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, during the meeting, Abu Ragheef reviewed the legal framework from which the Commission regulates the telecommunications sector, based on Law No. (65) of 2004. He emphasized that all telecommunications services within the country are subject to sovereign and regulatory standards that ensure the protection of radio frequency space and the maintenance of the national telecommunications infrastructure.

The statement highlighted discussions on the requirements for granting an official license for the Starlink service in Iraq. It underscored the necessity of resolving unlicensed uses and addressing their technical and legal implications to ensure an orderly service launch within clear and stable frameworks.

Furthermore, the meeting covered mechanisms for integration with national networks and local service providers and explored the possibility of market sharing to preserve the rights of national operators and promote fair competition, thereby expanding options for users.

Abu Ragheef clarified that Iraq does not allow communications to be routed through systems or countries that conflict with its national sovereignty. He stated that while the commission is open to serious international investments, such ventures must fully comply with Iraqi laws and approved regulatory controls to support the country’s technological development and digital transformation.