INA–Baghdad
The head of the Executive Authority of the Communications and Media Commission, Baligh Abu Kalal, confirmed on Tuesday that the Starlink service license agreement was officially signed in Iraq, securing the country the highest revenue share globally. He noted that the service will be subject to strict security measures and monitoring in cooperation with the relevant authorities.
Abu Kalal stated in an interview with the Al-Muhayid program, broadcast on Al-Iraqiya News Channel and monitored by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “The Starlink license was signed in Iraq before our trip to the United States. What happened in Washington was a procedural matter intended to give the event greater significance, coinciding with the Prime Minister’s visit.” He added that “the Prime Minister insisted that the license be signed in Iraq.”
He explained that “Starlink technology is advanced and available in 160 countries, and several countries in the region have already granted licenses for it,” noting that “the license agreement included a security annex involving the Prime Minister’s Office, the Intelligence Service, the National Security Service, and the Cybersecurity Center.”
Abu Kalal added that “Iraq will connect to and access Starlink data via an API to monitor activity across all connected devices,” clarifying that “the service will be transmitted to receiving devices monitored by the Media and Communications Commission, the Intelligence Service, the National Security Service, and the Cybersecurity Center.”
He continued, “There are 200,000 unlicensed Starlink users in Iraq operating across 40,000 devices,” emphasizing that “all these devices will be managed through an Iraqi region, and Starlink has confirmed its readiness to comply with all Iraqi laws.”
The head of the Executive Authority indicated that “Starlink’s service will be able to reach areas where fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) service is unavailable, and its introduction will promote healthy competition among internet service providers,” adding, “We assure existing internet companies that we will not allow them to be harmed.”
Regarding the financial details and returns, Abu Kalal explained that “Iraq’s contract with Starlink guarantees the highest returns, with service prices comparable to or lower than those in other countries in the region,” revealing that “Iraq receives the highest revenue share in the world from Starlink, amounting to 9% of revenue, in addition to a 15% profit tax.”
He pointed out that “Starlink devices will be available in Iraq at prices half of the current price, which reaches $1,500 for a large unit, and these prices are not final,” noting that “the device can be connected to four additional devices, providing wider coverage and faster, more stable service.”
Regarding the Media and Communications Commission’s regulations and the penalties imposed on programs and presenters, Abu Kalal stated, “The law grants the Media and Communications Commission the authority to issue regulations governing the media, communications, and technology sectors. These regulations have been provided to all television channels so that everyone is aware of their rights and obligations.”
He continued, “We consider social media platforms to be media outlets, and this is covered by the regulations. Misuse entails legal action, and the judiciary is the authority that determines the validity of these regulations. We are committed to abiding by the court’s rulings.”
He indicated that “the Commission is currently working on a ‘Digital Content Regulation’ that includes controls governing the use of social media platforms, primarily Facebook. It is currently in the consultation and feedback stage.”
He explained that “the regulation will include specific provisions to hold individuals legally accountable for acts such as incitement to violence and terrorism, defamation, slander, and abuse.”