Iraq, located in the Middle East, has a diverse topography with mountains, desert and two major rivers, the Tigris and Euphrates, which greatly influences population distribution and technological infrastructure. The majority of its approximately 44 million inhabitants are concentrated in the capital, Baghdad, and other urban areas, leaving vast rural and desert regions sparsely populated. Iraq possesses a significant telecommunications sector, but it is still developing, and the infrastructure is unevenly distributed, with urban areas enjoying better access to mobile and internet services than rural regions. The country is also working to diversify its energy sources, with an increased focus on renewable energy, particularly solar power, due to its abundant sunlight. However, the renewables sector is still in its infancy, with many challenges to overcome, including infrastructure development and political instability.

ITU Region
Region-3
Geographic Region
Regulatory Body
Communications and Media Commission CMC
Iraq world map

Mobile Network Operators

The are 9 companies operating mobile networks in this region.

Asiacell Iraq logo
Asiacell is an Iraqi telecommunications company that primarily provides mobile phone services and mobile internet. Founded in Sulaymaniyah in the Kurdistan Region in 1999, Asiacell was the first mobile telecommunications company in Iraq and began its commercial operations in 2000. In 2003, the company was awarded a two-year GSM license for the six northern provinces of Iraq, which was later extended in 2005 to cover the entire Iraqi Republic, making it the only telecom network to provide nationwide coverage. Asiacell's growth led to the establishment of executive offices in major cities such...
Country
Fastlink logo

Fastlink is a mobile broadband provider operating in Iraqi-Kurdistan. The company began operations in June 2013 under the Kurdish Regional Telecom Group umbrella. 

Country
Goran Net Logo Iraqi Kurdistan

Goran Net is a broadband provider operating in Iraqi-Kurdistan. The company began operations in 2004 in Suliamanyah, Kurdistan and has expanded throughout several regions within Iraqi-Kurdistan. 

Country
Korek Telecom Iraqi Kurdistan logo
Korek Telecom is a prominent telecommunications company operating within Iraq. Established in 2000, it has since grown to become one of the leading mobile operators in the country. The company is privately owned, with major stakes held by prominent business figures in the region. These include Sirwan Barzani, who is the current managing director and a significant shareholder. Other major stakeholders include Orange S.A. and Agility Public Warehousing Company K.S.C.P., both of which acquired large shares in Korek Telecom in 2011.
Country

Maxytel is a telecommunications company that operates within Iraq. The company was established to cater to the growing demand for telecommunications services in the region, providing comprehensive solutions in this field. The ownership structure of Maxytel is private, with the specific details of its shareholders not publicly disclosed.

Country

Mobitel Kurdistan is a telecommunications company operating in Iraq. It was established to provide mobile telecommunication services to the region of Kurdistan, an autonomous region in northern Iraq. The company's ownership structure is not publicly available. As a telecommunications provider in a region with significant infrastructure challenges, Mobitel Kurdistan plays a vital role in connecting people and businesses. It is one of the key players in the Iraqi telecommunications market.

Country
Newroz Telecom Kurdistan logo

Newroz is a mobile broadband provider operating in Iraqi-Kurdistan. The company began operations in 2007 in Erbil, Kurdistan, and is a joint venture between local business and Dubai-based VTEL MEA.

Country
Tishknet Logo

Tishknet is a mobile broadband provider operating in Iraqi-Kurdistan. The company began operations in 2011 in Suliamanyah and has expanded throughout several regions within Iraqi-Kurdistan.

Country
Zain Logo

Zain Iraq, a subsidiary of the Kuwaiti mobile telecommunications company Zain, operates within Iraq. The parent company was established in 1983 as MTC (Mobile Telecommunications Company) and underwent a rebranding in 2007 to become Zain. The company's presence in Iraq is part of its broader commercial operations, which extend across seven countries in the Middle East. As of 2019, Zain had 49.5 million active customers. The corporate ownership of Zain is divided, with the Kuwait Investment Authority holding approximately 24.6% and Omantel possessing 21.9%. As a rule, only shareholders owning...

Country
Wireless Spectrum Bands