The Iraqi government is reportedly in discussions with foreign companies to operate the country’s forthcoming 5G network, a year after the Iraqi Ministry of Communications approved the 5G plan.
According to a report by Iraqi News, Communications Minister Hiyam Al-Yasiri stated that talks are progressing following the cabinet’s approval of a task force, chaired by Al-Yasiri, to negotiate directly with international operators. The team is prioritizing operators with experience in Middle Eastern markets, though specific companies were not disclosed.
Kuwait-based telco Zain, which already operates in Iraq alongside local carriers Asiacell and Korek, may have an advantage. Zain Iraq launched a “virtual 5G-ready” mobile network in 2021 under the Oodi lifestyle brand, in collaboration with Matrixx Software, though it currently operates on its 4.5G infrastructure.
The 5G network project was initially approved in October 2023, with the state-owned Al-Salam Telecommunications Company receiving a license to manage the network. Al-Yasiri noted that the Ministry of Communications would be inviting global companies to bid on installation and operational management for Al-Salam.
