Iraq signs deal with Qatar's GBI to commercialize cross-border internet capacity

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Communications has signed an agreement with Qatar-based Gulf Bridge International (GBI) to commercialize cross-border internet transit capacity, the ministry announced. Under the deal, GBI will be authorized to use its transmission infrastructure in Iraq to carry and provide transit services for internet traffic bound for the Gulf region. The ministry said the cooperation is intended to strengthen Iraq's position as a regional internet transit hub and generate additional revenue from high-speed fiber infrastructure. It described the agreement as part of a broader strategy to diversify digital infrastructure investment. GBI said it plans to expand its network across the Middle East and Gulf region through Iraq. Both parties said the deal would help raise technical standards and improve service continuity. Officials said the implementation timeline and capacity details would be clarified in a later phase. No further specifics were immediately available.