A Baghdad court has cleared the way for the Korek Telecom suspension to continue. The decision reversed a temporary injunction that had previously protected the company from regulatory action.
The ruling strengthens the position of Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission (CMC). Consequently, the regulator can continue pursuing measures against the Erbil-based telecommunications company.
The Rusafa Court of First Instance rejected Korek’s request for temporary legal protection. The company had secured an earlier order that temporarily stopped the Commission’s actions.
However, the latest ruling found that Korek lacked sufficient procedural and legal grounds. Therefore, the court dismissed the company’s request for injunctive relief.
The CMC announced the decision and reaffirmed its commitment to judicial procedures. It said it would continue using legal channels throughout the dispute.
According to the Commission, these efforts aim to protect state interests and the public interest. The regulator also stressed the importance of protecting telecommunications users.
Long-Running Dispute Intensifies
The dispute between Korek and the CMC has continued for several years. Regulatory action against the company began intensifying in late 2023.
At that time, the Commission raised concerns over unpaid financial obligations. As a result, authorities restricted some Korek internet services outside the Kurdistan Region.
Officials also disrupted interconnected calls between Korek and competing telecommunications networks. These measures created significant difficulties for some customers across Iraq.
The dispute escalated further earlier this year. The CMC revoked a previous settlement agreement with the company.
Additionally, the Commission raised concerns about Korek’s operating license. Officials cited alleged breaches of contractual and financial commitments.
As tensions increased, the Korek Telecom suspension became one of Iraq’s most significant telecommunications disputes.
Baghdad Branches Face Closures
More recently, the CMC expanded its actions against Korek in Baghdad. Authorities closed several company branches and sales centers across the capital.
The affected locations reportedly included branches in Arasat, Mansour, and Palestine Street. Authorities also targeted Korek’s main headquarters in the Jadriyah district.
The Commission said the closures implemented existing regulatory decisions. It linked the actions directly to measures concerning the company’s operations.
Meanwhile, the CMC advised Korek subscribers to take precautionary steps. Customers received recommendations to register alternative phone numbers for important digital accounts.
Officials said alternative numbers could help users maintain access to digital services. This guidance raised further concerns among customers about possible service disruptions.
Korek Rejects the Measures
Korek has strongly challenged the regulator’s actions. The company has described several measures as illegal and outside established regulatory frameworks.
Korek board chairman Sirwan Barzani said the company had taken legal action through several Iraqi courts. The company has also sought government intervention.
Earlier this month, Korek accused the CMC of taking politically motivated actions. It directly appealed to Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi over the growing dispute.
However, CMC head Baligh Abu Kalal rejected those arguments. He described the dispute as technical and linked to financial obligations.
Abu Kalal said Korek had failed to comply with Commission decisions. He also stated that negotiations between both sides had reached a dead end.
According to Abu Kalal, Korek owes the Commission more than two trillion Iraqi dinars. He also claimed the company carries external debts exceeding one billion dollars.
For now, the latest ruling gives the regulator stronger legal backing. The Korek Telecom suspension will likely remain a major concern for customers and Iraq’s telecommunications sector.
