SpaceX’s Starlink is getting closer to officially entering the Iraqi market, as the government prepares to finalise satellite-internet licences — including one for the U.S. tech giant. A Starlink delegation met Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani in Baghdad on Thursday, with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Joshua Harris also in attendance.
During the meeting, both sides discussed how the licensing process is progressing, possible areas of cooperation, and the areas where Starlink plans to offer coverage once it launches in Iraq. The Prime Minister stressed that Iraq is now attracting more global technology companies, thanks to government efforts to build the infrastructure needed for advanced satellite-internet services.
He also highlighted that telecommunications is a major priority for the government. This includes protecting Iraq’s digital sovereignty and training young Iraqis so they can take on key roles in the country’s growing tech sector.
The Starlink team said the company is ready to begin operating soon after the licence is approved, and expressed its commitment to supporting Iraq’s digital transformation and expanding access to modern internet services across the country.
