KRG advances 5G and Starlink plans as Baghdad coordination talks progress
The Kurdistan Regional Government says its 5G preparations are complete, with a joint committee agreed with Baghdad to resolve outstanding issues, while a draft Starlink agreement awaits Council of Ministers approval.
The Kurdistan Regional Government has completed preparations for 5G in the Kurdistan Region, with only coordination with Baghdad left before launch, a senior official told Kurdistan24 on Saturday.
Dr Jamal Barzinji, Director General at the KRG Ministry of Transport and Communications, said a recent KRG delegation visit to Baghdad discussed 5G with the Iraqi Ministry of Communications and the Communications and Media Commission. Both sides agreed to form a joint committee to identify outstanding issues, and Barzinji said 5G could begin by the end of 2026 or early 2027.
He added that Erbil could become the first city in Iraq to have 5G, and noted the federal communications minister had previously acknowledged the Region was ahead in its preparations.
On Starlink, Barzinji said a draft agreement had been prepared at the KRG Council of Ministers and was awaiting approval before moving toward an agreement with SpaceX. He also said no company or individual had yet been officially authorised as a Starlink equipment seller in the Region.
The remarks follow comments last month by federal Communications Minister Mustafa Sanad, who told Iraqi News Agency the ministry wants 5G launched across federal governorates and the Kurdistan Region simultaneously, adding that outstanding disputes were limited.
Sources
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