Iraq Increases Fiber Network by Signing Sixth Undersea Communications Contract

In a significant move towards digital transformation, the Iraqi Ministry of Communications has announced plans to connect Iraq to a global submarine cable network, stretching from Singapore through multiple countries. This strategic initiative, known as the "Iraqi Corridor," is expected to route international telecommunications traffic through Iraq, towards Turkey and onward to Europe.

The agreement for this project is with a Bahraini partner company, Batelco (Bahrain Telecommunications Company), who signed the sixth marine cable decryption contract with the Iraqi Ministry of Communications. This partnership is a key step in activating the Iraqi Corridor, a strategic initiative designed to bolster both security and economic stability in the country by linking global companies and national interests.

Minister El-Yasri, emphasizing the geopolitical and economic importance of positioning Iraq as a regional transit hub, expects the new submarine cable to significantly enhance internet capacity, improve service quality, and help reduce consumer prices. The initiatives aim to integrate Iraq more deeply into global communications networks.

In addition to the submarine cable project, the ministry is also launching a new international submarine cable link. The focus is not just on expanding international connectivity, but also on expanding the national fiber-optic network. The ministry's plans outline the migration of subscribers to electronic systems via the National Data Center.

To accelerate the rollout of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) services, a meeting was chaired by Dr. Hayam El-Yasri on August 27. The meeting included representatives from Airtlink, Supercell, ViberX, and the ministry's technical team. The minister emphasized that the optical network should extend to all residential areas, including villages and rural regions.

In line with this modernization of digital infrastructure, Wi-Fi subscriptions are being phased out in favor of fiber-based connectivity. This shift is a reflection of the ministry's commitment to advancing Iraq's digital transformation. The broader strategy aims to strengthen Iraq's communications and information technology sector.

The initiatives mark a significant step forward in Iraq's digital journey, positioning the country as a key player in global communications networks and contributing to its economic growth and stability.