ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – The CEO of Korek Telecom on Wednesday criticized Iraqi authorities for ending the company’s contract and suspending its operations, describing the move as “unlawful” and noting that a legal complaint would be filed against the responsible party.

On Tuesday, Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission (CMC) canceled its contract with Korek Telecom and suspended its operations over allegedly breaching “contractual obligations and failure to comply with the requirements stipulated in the agreement.” 

“This includes suspending all of the company's operations and taking the necessary actions regarding its assets and holdings,” CMC said. 

Following the developments, Sirwan Barzani, CEO of Korek Telecom, told reporters, “We will file a complaint against the official of the Iraqi Media Authority who said something unlawful and who does not have the right to reject us in the way it was mentioned.”

Barzani noted that a plan is set to visit Baghdad regarding the issue, noting that “we are waiting for what comes after our visit to Baghdad, where we will also resolve those issues, clarify them, and explain them to that new Iraqi administration, to Mr. Ali Zaidi, the Prime Minister.” 

The CEO also noted that the issue of disrupted connections with other lines is expected to be resolved “all at once” following the visit, adding that the company is also “in the process of resolving it through law and legislation.”

In November 2023, Iraq’s CMC blocked all incoming and outgoing communications between Korek and other carriers, citing Korek’s failure to pay its financial obligations.

Ever since, the Kurdish telecommunications company has faced disruptions and challenges.

In September 2024, the CMC announced that they have reached a settlement over Korek’s unpaid financial obligations and debts. Despite this, Korek’s external telecommunications were not restored.

In February, the Iraqi regulator said it had decided to immediately shut down Korek Telecom’s internet services in a “punitive action” against the carrier over its failure to pay its debts.

Korek slammed the CMC’s decision to shut down its internet services as an “unprecedented” and “blatant violation of the law,” claiming that the move reflects “political pressure aimed at eliminating our company in favor of other entities.”