MOC: An agreement with Vodafone to establish a 5G communications network

INA - BAGHDAD

The Minister of Communications - MOC, Hiyam Al-Yasiri, announced on Tuesday, representing the Iraqi government, the signing of an agreement with Vodafone to establish a 5G communications network, noting that the new operator will provide job opportunities and raise the skills of Iraqi youth.

"The Iraqi government, represented by the Ministry of Communications, agreed with Vodafone International to establish a new communications network in Iraq using 5G, fully owned by the Iraqi government, as Minister Al-Yasiri and Vodafone signed a statement of work that includes preparing the operator for launch, and providing specialized expertise in key areas such as network design, commercial proposals, and a business growth plan," according to a statement by the Ministry - received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA. 

The ministry and Vodafone also signed a memorandum of understanding to continue discussions on the services that Vodafone will provide to the new operator and the most appropriate management model.

Al-Yasiri said, "The ministry aims to improve the quality of telecommunications services provided to Iraqi citizens, reduce costs, increase state revenues, introduce modern technology, and keep pace with global developments in the field of communications," noting that "the new operator will provide job opportunities and raise the skills of young Iraqis who will manage this network. We are pleased to have an experienced partner like Vodafone to support us in this project." 

In turn, CEO of Vodafone's Partner Markets Division, Peter Dvorak, said that "establishing a new government-owned 5G operator will bring social and economic development to Iraq," explaining that "Vodafone's Partner Markets team has experience working with operators around the world to develop the latest network technologies and commercial strategies." 

Dvorak added, "We will be able to bring this expertise to Iraq, including designing and managing the operator, and we will provide an opportunity to train and develop the skills of young Iraqi talent." 

The statement pointed out that "Vodafone is a leading European and African telecommunications company providing mobile and fixed services to more than 330 million customers in 15 countries. Vodafone's partner markets team works to form strategic partnerships with local operators around the world to expand the group's reach into growing markets by sharing best practices in network design, operational efficiency and customer support. Vodafone cooperates with mobile networks on this basis in 45 countries, including in the Middle East region."