Peregraf
Korek Telecom owes Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission (CMC) a staggering two trillion dinars (approximately $1.5 billion) in licensing fees and outstanding debts, an Iraqi MP revealed on Monday.
Zahra al-Bajari, head of the parliamentary transport and communications committee, confirmed that Korek must settle its accumulated financial obligations. The company had requested to pay its debts in installments, but Bajari stated that such an arrangement “requires guarantees from the company for the accumulated debts.”
Korek subscribers across Iraq and Kurdistan region have been unable to use the network properly for over a year due to a CMC decision in November 2023 to block its services over non-payment. In February, the CMC escalated its measures by suspending Korek’s internet services, citing continued non-compliance.
A month before the service disruption, the CMC had warned Korek that its operating license had expired and would not be renewed due to the company’s failure to pay its outstanding financial obligations.
“The disconnection between telecommunications companies and Korek is ongoing,” Bajari confirmed, adding that the CMC’s recent measures aim to “encourage” Korek to resolve its financial issues.
With mounting debts and continued service interruptions, Korek faces increasing pressure to provide financial assurances and settle its dues.