ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani on Thursday received a US delegation from SpaceX’s Starlink to discuss “final procedures” for granting the company satellite-based internet and telecommunications licenses in Iraq.

In May, a SpaceX Starlink delegation visited Sudani’s office to review potential cooperation with Iraq, while the delegation expressed readiness to operate in the country and provide its services.

“Starlink is the world's most advanced satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls and more,” according to the service's website.

Following the meeting in May, Sudani instructed authorities to explore ways to facilitate Starlink operations and expedite necessary procedures.

Joshua Harris, US Charge d’Affaires to Iraq, also joined the meeting on Thursday, the prime minister’s office said.

The meeting on Thursday concluded with discussions on “the final procedures related to granting satellite internet licenses, including the license designated for SpaceX, as well as avenues for strengthening cooperation in the telecommunications sector, the services provided by the company, and its prospective coverage areas,” the statement added.

For his part, Sudani stressed that Baghdad has made major progress in creating conditions to attract global companies, including providing access to satellite internet systems needed for their operations.

Iraq and the Kurdistan Region have taken steps to improve telecommunications services in Baghdad and Erbil for citizens.

In June 2024, Iraq signed an agreement with the Saudi STC Gulf for a new submarine cable project in a bid to improve the country’s internet services. 

Kurdistan Region's Minister of Transportation and Communications Ano Jawhar Abdoka also in 2024 announced significant strides in expanding internet access, reaching 400,000 households through a fiber optic initiative in the region, underscoring broader efforts to enhance national connectivity.