Baghdad: Minister of Communications Mustafa Sanad announced on Friday the scheduled launch dates for the fourth telecom license and 5G technology in Iraq. In a statement to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Sanad said, “The Ministry of Communications has worked to increase internet speeds,” noting that efforts also included establishing Iraq as a data transit hub.

According to Iraqi News Agency, Sanad explained that “companies from four different countries have signed agreements with the Ministry-a first in Iraq’s history”-and highlighted the entry of competing internet service providers, facilitated by the Commission and the government, including Starlink. Sanad noted that the Ministry has leveraged this competition to accelerate service delivery and introduce new content-such as sports, entertainment, and cinema-via fiber-optic networks, confirming that internet access was extended to one million homes within a three-month period.

Regarding the fourth license, Sanad indicated a government move, in coordination with other parties, to launch the fourth license by the end of this year, adding that 5G services are set to launch in early 2027.