Iraq formally grants Starlink operating licence, media regulator says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Media and Communications Commission said on Friday it has formally signed a licence allowing SpaceX's Starlink to offer satellite internet services in the country. The signing ceremony took place at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, attended by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani and commission head Belig Abu Kell. The commission said the licence establishes the legal and regulatory framework for satellite-based internet services in Iraq. It added that Starlink's entry into the Iraqi market is expected to expand internet options, strengthen connectivity in areas requiring advanced technical solutions and support digital transformation efforts. The regulator had previously announced in early July that the Starlink licensing process had reached its final stage. The licence signing comes as part of Prime Minister al-Sudani's ongoing visit to the United States, during which Iraq is expected to sign a total of 48 agreements and memoranda of understanding with the U.S. government, companies and international institutions. The agreements are reported to focus primarily on the energy, investment, infrastructure, technology and health sectors. No further details on the individual deals were immediately available.