By John Lee. A draft regulatory framework for artificial intelligence (AI) services in Iraq has been opened for public consultation. The Communications and Media Commission (CMC) announced the move, inviting stakeholders to submit comments within 30 days from 23 September 2026. The draft aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for AI services operating in […]
By John Lee. Iraq's Communications and Media Commission (CMC) has published a draft regulatory framework for licensing telecommunications services on non-terrestrial networks, including in-flight connectivity (air-to-ground, A2G), and opened it for public consultation. The draft aims to establish technical and regulatory standards for such services, covering efficient use of radio spectrum and compliance with approved […]
By John Lee. Plans to develop a national artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in Iraq have been discussed by the Communications and Media Commission (CMC) and an adviser to the Prime Minister. According to the CMC, Baligh Abu Kalal, head of the CMC, met with Dr Diya Al-Jumaili, adviser to the Prime Minister for AI affairs, […]
By John Lee. A second global satellite communications provider is in negotiations to obtain a licence to operate in Iraq, which would introduce direct competition to Starlink in the market. Baligh Abu Kalal (pictured), head of Iraq's Communications and Media Commission (CMC), told the Baghdad Dialogue Conference that around 40,000 Starlink devices were in use in […]
By John Lee. Iraq's Communications and Media Commission (CMC) and Zain Iraq have launched a six-month training partnership focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and its practical applications, aimed at embedding AI use within the CMC and developing staff capabilities. According to the CMC, the programme is being delivered in collaboration with Irada Foundation and Kapita […]
By John Lee. US tech giant Apple has been officially registered as an accredited digital platform provider in Iraq, following completion of all requirements under the country's regulatory framework for digital platforms and services. According to the Communications and Media Commission (CMC), the accreditation covers Apple's App Store, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, Apple Arcade, and Apple […]
By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) and the Communications and Media Commission (CMC) have held talks on regulating digital payment services and developing the legislative framework for Iraq's digital economy. According to the CBI, Governor Nizar Nasser Hussein met the Commission's executive head, Balig Abu Kallal, to discuss a range of issues, […]
By John Lee. Starlink has been granted an official licence to operate in Iraq. The licence was signed at a ceremony held at the American Chamber of Commerce in the United States, in the presence of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. According to Iraq's Communications and Media Commission (CMC), the licence was signed by the commission's […]
By John Lee. According to the Ministry of Communications, Iraq's Communications Minister Mustafa Jabbar Sanad has chaired a video-conference meeting with Starlink to discuss the company's application for a licence to operate in Iraq. The Iraqi Communications and Media Commission (CMC) was represented at the meeting by its chairman, Baligh Abu Kalal. The minister said […]
By John Lee. Iraq has prevailed in an international arbitration case brought by Orange against the Republic of Iraq and the Communications and Media Commission (CMC), with all of the company's claims dismissed by the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). The Ministry of Justice said the outcome was the result of sustained […]
By John Lee. Iraq's Communications and Media Commission (CMC) has cancelled its settlement contract with Korek Telecom and ordered a halt to all the company's operations, citing repeated failures to meet its contractual obligations. In a statement, the CMC said the decision was taken under clauses 12, 13, 15 and 16 of Article Five of […]
By Michael Knights for the Combating Terrorism Center (CTC) at West Point. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Rise of the E-Militias: Designated Terrorist Groups Infest Iraq's Digital Economy Iraq's digital economy is one of its fastest-growing sectors, driven by an expanding […]
