Iraqi telecom regulator suspends prepaid SIM sales in Kurdistan Region

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Communications and Media Commission has temporarily halted the sale of mobile phone lines in cities across the Kurdistan Region through authorized dealers and retail points, the regulator's head, Beligh Abu Kull, said. The measure requires that licensed operators carry out sales only through their main headquarters until further notice. Abu Kull said the suspension will remain in effect until procedures related to electronic identity verification and security mechanisms are completed. According to the commission, the decision was prompted by complaints and findings that some SIM cards had been registered to users without their knowledge or consent. The regulator's official said the move is intended to prevent fraud and identity misuse in the sales process rather than restrict citizens' access to service. Coordination with licensed operators and security agencies is ongoing, and the commission urged members of the public to report any cases in which they suspect their personal data has been tampered with. No timeline for lifting the suspension has been announced.