GSMA addresses unrealistic 3G licensing conditions in Iraq

In September, the GSMA participated in a World Bank hosted workshop on “Enabling Broadband in Iraq” which included discussions around licence fees and awarding spectrum to a new entrant. Attendees included representatives from the Iraqi Ministry of Communications (“MoC”), Communications and Media Commission (“CMC”), Iraqi Internet Service Providers, and one mobile operator. In October, the GSMA sent an open letter to the Iraqi Prime Minister, highlighting the economic benefits of improved mobile broadband connectivity in Iraq. However, it also emphasised that the current spectrum licensing conditions pose a threat to this opportunity, by discouraging network investment, because the duration of licences are only 7 years and the costs excessive.