Baghdad:Iraq’s Communications Minister Mustafa Sanad announced that the national telecommunications network will operate in partnership with the private sector rather than as a monopoly.

According to Iraqi News Agency, Sanad revealed during a press conference that the national telecommunications network project is in advanced stages. He mentioned that discussions with Vodafone are close to finalization, with Vodafone having already reached understandings with Nokia.

Sanad addressed concerns about the project, specifically the exclusive provision of fifth-generation (5G) services. The ministry decided to forgo this exclusivity to prevent monopolistic practices, a move that has affected the project’s economic appeal and led some government partners to withdraw.

The minister emphasized that the national network will compete with existing mobile operators in Iraq, such as Zain and Asiacell. He also mentioned that introducing a third or fourth telecommunications license could boost market competition.

Regarding the fibre-optic cable initiative, Sanad highlighted ongoing progress in enhancing fibre-optic connectivity, internet speeds, and international data traffic. Although Iraq lags in some telecommunications metrics, the country is improving its international rankings, advancing by about four places each month in one sector indicator.

Sanad noted that while improvements in fibre-optic services and internet speeds signify progress in the telecommunications sector, user awareness of these services’ technical aspects varies across the country.