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Wire · regulatory

Telecom Minister denies direct starlink deal, confirms EarthLink role

Published

23 August 2026

Topic

regulatory

◆ Sectors

Telecom & Connectivity

◆ Geography

Iraq

◆ Source

Read at iraqinews.com →

◆ Verified

Fusion42 · 23 August 2026 · Fusion42 review

Iraq's Ministry of Communications denied a direct contract with Starlink, confirming EarthLink as the primary operator for now, while planning a future direct partnership within two years. The Communications and Media Commission established a regulatory and security framework to integrate Starlink legally, aiming to regulate unauthorized devices and uphold data sovereignty.

This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Telecom & Connectivity.

◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway

You face a two-year horizon before Starlink shifts from indirect to direct partnership. This regulatory setup opens a window to shape market competition while securing your compliance and data control demands.

◆ Coverage

1 source · 23 Aug 2026

◆ Related on Wire

◆ Topics

Telecom & Connectivitystarlinksatellite-internetregulationtelecomearthlinkiraq