Officially, Iraq signs a license to operate the “Starlink” company.
Officially, Iraq signs a license to operate the “Starlink” company.
2026-07-18
Shafaq News – Baghdad/Washington
The Iraqi Media and Communications Commission announced on Friday evening that it had officially signed a license for the “Starlink” company to operate in the country, during a ceremony held at the American Chamber of Commerce in the United States.
The commission stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that the head of the executive body of the Media and Communications Commission, Baligh Abu Kalal, signed the official license for Starlink to begin providing its services in Iraq, in the presence of Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi.
According to the commission, the signing of the license represents an important milestone in the development of the communications sector in Iraq, within the efforts of the Media and Communications Commission to regulate satellite internet services in accordance with the approved legal and regulatory frameworks, in a way that preserves digital sovereignty and keeps pace with global developments in this field.
According to the statement, Starlink’s entry into the Iraqi market will contribute to expanding internet service options, particularly in areas requiring advanced technological solutions, as well as enhancing the investment environment and supporting digital transformation initiatives in Iraq.
The Media and Communications Commission confirmed at the beginning of July that the procedures for licensing the “Starlink” service had reached their final stages, allowing the introduction of one of the most prominent modern satellite communication technologies to the Iraqi market, within a regulatory framework that preserves national interests and keeps pace with global developments.
This was shown in an official list of agreements and memoranda of understanding scheduled to be signed during Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s visit to the United States.
The list includes 48 agreements and memoranda of understanding with the US government and international companies and institutions, most of which are concentrated in the energy, investment, infrastructure, technology and health sectors.
A short while ago, on Friday, Iraqi Oil Minister Bassem al-Abadi signed an agreement with Syria to extend oil pipelines and another with American companies.
Following the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding with American companies during the investment summit held in Washington, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi announced Iraq’s intention to adopt an “open door” policy.
Earlier today, Adam Cortese , CEO of the American renewable energy companies Sun Africa and UGTR, revealed to Shafaq News Agency that the executive steps for developing a strategic solar energy project in Iraq have begun in cooperation with the Iraqi Kar Group, confirming the opening of an office in Baghdad to manage the planned project.
In addition, Jeffrey Casper , co-founder and CEO of Himara Trading, confirmed to Shafaq News Agency on Friday that the investment landscape in Iraq is witnessing a tangible and radical transformation driven by a genuine and shared desire from the Iraqi government, the United States, and private American companies to facilitate transparent and sustainable investment pathways.
This comes as part of the agenda of the official visit that began last Monday by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and his accompanying delegation, which included a number of ministers, senior officials, investors, business owners, and Iraqi capitalists.
Last Tuesday, during his meeting with al-Zaidi at the White House, US President Donald Trump announced that this week would see the unveiling of a major oil partnership with Iraq, in addition to extensive trade deals in various sectors.
shafaq.com
