The Iraqi Ministry of Communications announced Monday that Google and Facebook have routed their data capacities through Iraq for the first time, a move expected to generate financial returns for the country.

Spokesman Omar al-Amiri told Iraqi state media that the ministry has made significant progress in enhancing Iraq’s role in global communications transit. 

A new land-based transit contract, signed months ago, routes data through southern Iraq, the center, the Kurdistan Region, and exits to Turkey, linking Asia with Europe.

Al-Amiri noted that this development leverages Iraq’s strategic geographical location, which had been underutilized in previous administrations. The enhanced transit routes are anticipated to attract more global companies, boosting financial returns and Iraq’s standing with the International Telecommunication Union.

He referenced the “Civilizations Road Transit” contract signed recently, highlighting that Google and Facebook have begun using Iraqi routes.

Communications Minister Hayam Al-Yasiri announced Friday that Iraq has surpassed the one-terabyte mark in international data transit, emphasizing the country's secure and reliable transit route.

Iraq's emergence as a transit hub for international data traffic signifies a strategic shift in global telecommunications dynamics, leveraging its unique geographical position between Asia and Europe. 

This development is underpinned by concerted efforts from the Iraqi Ministry of Communications to enhance the country's telecommunications infrastructure and attract global tech giants like Google and Facebook to route their internet capacities through Iraqi territories.

Geographical advantage 

In the past few years, Iraq has gained recognition for its strategic geographical location. Positioned between Asia and Europe, it offers a promising land-based route for internet traffic. This route is seen as a viable alternative to the traditional undersea cables or air routes, promising faster connections and improved reliability.

Transit contracts and partnerships

Since 2021, Iraq's Ministry of Communications has been actively forging partnerships with international telecommunications giants. These agreements allow large volumes of internet traffic to pass through Iraq's networks. This move positions the country as a crucial hub in the global data transit network, boosting its role in international communications.

Economic implications 

Starting around 2022, routing data through Iraq has brought significant economic benefits. Companies pay fees to use these transit routes and Iraq benefits financially from leveraging its infrastructure. This revenue has been instrumental in fueling growth in Iraq's telecommunications sector and contributing to broader economic development goals.

Security and reliability

Since 2021, ensuring the security and reliability of these transit routes has been a top priority. Iraq has invested in strengthening its telecommunications infrastructure to ensure the integrity and continuous availability of international communications traffic.

Future outlook 

Looking ahead, ongoing investments in telecommunications infrastructure and partnerships with global technology firms continue to strengthen Iraq's position as a transit hub. This not only enhances Iraq's connectivity options but also opens up new economic opportunities and technological advances within the region.