Iraq Licenses Starlink Amid Data Center Expansion Plans

• •Iraq licensed Starlink for satellite internet services on September 27, 2026.
• •Concerns about data sovereignty were raised due to the ground gateway's location in Qatar.
• •Iraq plans to build new data centers in Baghdad, Basra, and Mosul to enhance digital infrastructure.

On September 27, 2026, Iraq's Communications and Media Commission officially licensed Starlink to operate satellite internet services across the country. This decision followed concerns raised by the Ministry of Communications regarding the location of Starlink's ground gateway in Qatar, which could affect data sovereignty. CMC CEO Baligh Abu Kalal assured that Iraqi authorities maintain oversight of network operations and user data. The licensing comes as Iraq also announced plans for new data centers in Baghdad, Basra, and Mosul to enhance its digital infrastructure. The data centers aim to support local hosting for global tech companies and improve national digital services. The first batch of Starlink customer terminals has been released, with more shipments planned to meet demand. The CMC emphasized that national security protocols are enforced under the new licensing framework.