Iraq's communications minister and Wasit governor clash over fiber optic cable work

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Communications Minister Mustafa Sind said the governor of Wasit province issued an order halting fiber optic cable installation and revoking earlier permits. In a social media post, Sind said the governor banned cable-laying work affecting residents and voided existing approvals. Wasit Governor Ali al-Suleiman rejected that characterization, saying the directive did not prohibit telecommunications companies from operating but was issued to regulate their work and protect infrastructure projects. He said companies had been carrying out installations at night without coordinating with relevant departments, causing damage to the province's infrastructure. Al-Suleiman said the official letter instructed companies to comply with approved technical specifications and to coordinate with the relevant departments before starting work. He stressed that the measures were intended to organize operations, safeguard infrastructure and protect public resources rather than block telecommunications activity. Officials have pointed to the need for coordination between companies and public bodies as fiber optic cable installation expands to improve internet and communications services. No further details on next steps were immediately available.