Iraq’s CMC suspends Korek services

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Communications and Media Commission (CMC) in Iraq has officially begun shutting down the network and main switching centers of Erbil-based Korek Telecom across 14 Iraqi provinces. The shutdown follows a long-standing dispute over Korek’s unpaid debt of $1.5 billion and the CMC’s decision to repeal its previous settlement deal with the company. After prior closures of Korek’s Baghdad headquarters and sales centers in August 2026, the CMC implemented its shutdown order following the expiration of a one-month grace period. Korek has contested the action, stating it holds a court ruling annulling the CMC’s decision and has accused the regulator of defying judicial orders. The telecommunications company based in Erbil has outstanding financial obligations, including overdue license fees, estimated at approximately two trillion Iraqi dinars, which is equivalent to around $1.5 billion. The CMC has collaborated with Iraqi banks to seize all of Korek’s assets in an attempt to recover the government funds. According to reports, Korek Telecom no longer has enough physical assets to meet its substantial liabilities. Iraq’s independent regulatory authority for telecommunications strongly directed government institutions, private companies, and residents not to sign new deals or do business with Korek Telecom. The CMC has deemed Korek entirely accountable for all legal and financial implications of the operational stoppage.