INA–Erbil
The Ministry of Transport and Communications in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) announced on Tuesday that a final agreement with SpaceX is imminent to launch Starlink satellite internet services in the region by the end of July, in accordance with the agreement signed with the Iraqi government. The ministry also confirmed its readiness to coordinate on this matter.
The Director General of Post and Communications at the ministry, Jamal Ahmed Barzanji, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that "negotiations with SpaceX regarding the launch of Starlink satellite internet services in the region have progressed significantly", adding that "all legal and technical procedures and agreements will be finalised by the end of this month."
"The regional government has set precise conditions in its discussions with the international company to ensure the highest privacy standards," Barzanji explained, noting, "We have requested that the user data centre be located within the region, under the protection and supervision of our relevant authorities."
"The ministry has obligated the company to provide technical and field support to subscribers in the event of any technical malfunction to ensure service continuity," he added, emphasising that "all user data will be 100% protected in accordance with international standards and regulations."
The Director General of Post and Telecommunications pointed out that the project will cover all areas of the Kurdistan Region, with priority given to mountainous and remote areas and vast agricultural lands that currently lack fibre optic networks and signal towers, while cities have a wide range of high-speed landline internet options.
"Working with local service providers will be complementary, not competitive, as the project aims to diversify options for citizens," he confirmed, noting that "the service targets specific segments of the population, given its higher cost compared to the competitive offers provided by local companies within cities."
"Any company operating in the region is obligated to comply with the Kurdistan Regional Government's Companies Law, whether through opening a branch or through an officially authorised agent, to ensure security and legal oversight," Al-Barzanji continued.
The Director General concluded his statement to (INA) by saying, “This is an administrative matter, and we are ready to cooperate with all relevant parties in Baghdad in this field and in other matters of common interest.”