Baghdad: Iraq and Iran have reached an agreement to expand telecommunications services in anticipation of this year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage. The Chairman of the Communications and Media Commission, Nawfal Abu Raghif, alongside Hamid Fattahi, Head of the Telecommunications and Information Technology Sector of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Chairman of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, signed a coordination document to facilitate this expansion.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the agreement was the outcome of two days of meetings involving mobile phone operators from both nations. These discussions focused on technical and regulatory proposals to improve service quality for pilgrims, ensuring seamless communication in areas with high population density.

The sessions resulted in the creation of a joint working group comprising representatives from both regulatory bodies. This group will oversee the execution of the agreement, establishing direct communication links through the Mehran and Shalamcheh border crossings to boost the capacity for data and communication services.

Furthermore, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has committed to offering a toll-free emergency number for pilgrims, providing voice guidance in both languages, and investigating the installation of free Wi-Fi hotspots on a 5 GHz frequency in crowded locations.

In terms of media, a decision was made to issue temporary licenses to two radio stations, allowing them to broadcast during the pilgrimage for up to one month. These licenses are non-renewable and must comply with the guidelines set by the Communications and Media Commission, explicitly banning any commercial activities.

The talks also covered the regulation of technical report exchanges and performance evaluations, aligning with existing bilateral agreements. Additionally, plans were reviewed to establish customer service centers on Iraqi soil, specifically to assist in replacing damaged or lost SIM cards.