Iraq’s Korek Telecom shutdown plans have advanced after the Communications and Media Commission canceled its settlement agreement. The regulator cited alleged breaches of contractual, legal, and financial obligations.
The CMC announced the decision on Sunday and outlined six measures against the telecommunications company. These measures include orders to seize Korek’s movable and immovable assets. The commission also began preparations to suspend the company’s network operations.
Meanwhile, the CMC warned Korek subscribers against renewing their subscriptions. It also advised customers not to add credit or purchase new services. Additionally, subscribers should avoid making further payments to the company.
However, the commission instructed customers to keep their existing SIM cards. It warned them against disposing of the cards or transferring them to another party. The guidance aims to protect subscribers during the transition.
The regulator also issued instructions to Korek employees and contractors. They must protect company property and preserve its personal, financial, and legal records. Furthermore, they must prevent unauthorized access to company information.
The CMC warned that unauthorized disclosure or distribution of company records could bring legal consequences. It also addressed owners of properties hosting Korek telecommunications towers. The commission instructed them to protect the towers and related equipment.
In addition, the regulator warned against damaging or interfering with telecommunications installations. Anyone who tampers with the equipment could face legal responsibility. The measures therefore extend beyond Korek and include third parties connected to its infrastructure.
The latest decision follows a prolonged dispute between the regulator and Korek Telecom. The CMC has intensified its actions against the company since early 2025. Previous measures included restrictions on Korek’s internet services.
Those measures focused on disputes surrounding the company’s legal and contractual obligations. They also generated criticism from subscribers, particularly across the Kurdistan Region. Korek remains a major telecommunications provider in Iraq.
The CMC’s latest action now puts the company’s network operations under serious pressure. The regulator has moved beyond financial and contractual measures toward operational restrictions. Consequently, subscribers could face significant uncertainty over their services.
The Iraq Korek Telecom shutdown could also affect customers who rely on the network daily. The company has a substantial presence across Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region. Any suspension could therefore create broader telecommunications challenges.
At the same time, the CMC has urged customers to follow its latest instructions. It has also emphasized the need to protect company infrastructure during the process. Authorities appear focused on preventing disruption or unauthorized interference.
The dispute also reflects longstanding tensions over Korek’s obligations to Iraqi authorities. The regulator has repeatedly demanded compliance with its legal and financial requirements. Korek’s future operations will now depend on developments following the latest decision.
For now, the Iraq Korek Telecom shutdown remains a major development for Iraq’s telecommunications sector. The CMC’s measures could reshape the company’s operations and affect thousands of subscribers. Further decisions will determine how authorities handle the network and its customers.
