Iraq grants cable TV subscribers seven-day renewal window, bans extra e-payment fees

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Minister of Communications Mustafa al-Sad announced on Thursday that cable television companies will be required to accept electronic payments for monthly subscription renewals, with no additional fees charged to subscribers using those platforms. The Ministry of Communications also directed the companies to grant subscribers a seven-day grace period for monthly subscription renewals. The minister said the decision aims to ease payment procedures, expand electronic services and take account of recurring delays in salary disbursements. The ministry reiterated that cable TV operators must not pass any extra costs on to subscribers who pay through electronic collection applications. Under the directive, cable TV companies are expected to move their billing processes fully onto electronic platforms. The ministry said the step is intended to prevent subscriber grievances linked to late or disrupted payments. No further details on implementation timelines or enforcement measures were immediately provided.