17-03-2025
Iraq Signs Fourth Submarine Cable Agreement with Ooredoo
By John Lee.
Iraq's Ministry of Communications has signed an agreement with Qatar's Ooredoo Group for the deployment of the country's fourth submarine cable (FIG) at the Al-Faw landing station.
Minister Dr. Hayam Al-Yasiri emphasized the strategic importance of the 24-pair fiber-optic cable, which has a capacity of over 700 terabits and connects seven Gulf countries across a 2,000 km route.
She also announced that additional approvals have been granted to global telecom companies to lay new submarine cables and develop transit projects. Iraq's existing and planned networks, including the Route of Civilizations and the strategic Development Road transit network, will enhance its role as a key regional communications hub.
Dr. Al-Yasiri highlighted Iraq's competitive advantages, including shorter transit routes and simplified maintenance, positioning the country as a secure and attractive corridor for international telecom traffic between Europe and Asia via Al-Faw and Turkey.
She noted that Iraq's international bandwidth has surged from 10 Gbps to 1,800 Gbps, reflecting growing investor confidence and increased foreign interest in Iraq's telecom sector.
(Source: Ministry of Communications)
