Iraq Implements Starlink Satellite Internet to Bridge Digital Divide
Iraq has officially launched Starlink satellite internet services across the nation, aiming to address the country's longstanding broadband deficits. This initiative, developed by Elon Musk's SpaceX, seeks to provide high-speed internet access to remote and rural areas that lack reliable ground-based infrastructure. The deployment follows a licensing agreement signed in Washington on July 17, 2026, under a broader technology initiative supported by Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi. The service is expected to cost Iraqi users over $50 per month, which is considered reasonable given its performance capabilities. Starlink operates using low Earth orbit satellite technology, offering download speeds between 25 and 220 Mbps and upload speeds from 15 to 35 Mbps. The service is designed to deliver low latency internet, bridging the digital divide by providing connectivity without relying on traditional cabling.