Iraq Discusses 5G Internet in New York
The Chairman of the Communications and Media Commission, Ali Al-Muayyad, discussed today, Sunday, in New York, the future of the fifth generation and satellite internet in Iraq with the CEO of the Samina Council, Bukar Ba.
A statement by the Authority received by Shafaq News Agency stated that Al-Muayyad met with the CEO of SAMENA Council on the sidelines of the Future Summit held in New York, where a number of technical topics related to developing the communications sector in Iraq were discussed.
The statement added that the meeting focused mainly on the mechanisms for providing 5G services in Iraq, stressing the importance of adopting the latest technical practices and infrastructure that allow for improving communication speed, reducing response time, and supporting the digital economy in line with global technology developments.
He pointed out that the meeting addressed the issue of satellite Internet services, as the two sides discussed the best global practices for licensing these services, focusing on the benefits and harms resulting from using this technology, and studying potential challenges, such as interference with the terrestrial frequency spectrum, and its impact on the environment and users.
In the context of talking about developing the communications sector, he stressed the importance of supporting Iraq by holding global and regional workshops and conferences that address the latest innovations in the fields of communications and information technology, including artificial intelligence, big data, and advanced infrastructure technologies.
SAMENA is one of the world’s leading technology alliances and leads a consortium of telecom companies in South Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.
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PM’s Advisor: Government Takes 8 Steps to Improve Technology Sector
The Prime Minister’s Advisor for Banking Affairs, Saleh Mahoud, stressed on Sunday the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors to develop the technological infrastructure in Iraq, while pointing out that the Iraqi government has taken 8 strategic steps to improve the technology sector in the country, stressing the existence of serious government efforts to achieve leadership in the field of digital innovation.
“We are pleased to represent the Prime Minister in attending the conference, and we convey his greetings and high appreciation, as he commends this conference and blesses its efforts,” Mahoud said in his speech during the opening of the Iraq International Information and Communications Technology Exhibition and Conference (ITEX), which was followed by “Economy News.”
He added that “the conference provides an opportunity for cooperation between the public and private sectors, which encourages the establishment of strategic companies that contribute to the development of a strong technological infrastructure.”
He pointed out that “organizing and activating such conferences is an urgent necessity, as the Iraqi government, led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, looks forward to the importance of this event being an appropriate opportunity to discuss the exchange of experiences and ideas to achieve sustainable development and prosperity for our great people, which enhances Iraq’s position as a leading country in the field of digital innovation.”
He stressed that “digital transformation has become an inevitable necessity in recent years in the governmental and private sectors and even in our daily lives.”
He added that “this conference comes at an important time, as the Iraqi government seeks to achieve a clear vision on how to use technology to improve the quality of services and enhance transparency and community participation.”
He explained that “the current Iraqi government, since the start of its duties at the end of 2022, has worked to develop the information and communications technology sector, in coordination with relevant local and international sectors.”
He pointed out that “the Iraqi government has taken a set of important steps in the field of developing information and communications technology, including:
1- Establishing laws and legislation to provide an appropriate environment for investment in information and communications technology, aiming to encourage innovation and protect the rights of investors.
2- Improving infrastructure, including supporting efforts to increase internet speed and expand networks in all regions of Iraq.
3- Achieving investment, as the Iraqi government encourages local and foreign investment in the information technology sector by providing banking incentives, including financial support for emerging projects in this field.
4- Partnerships with the private sector to accelerate technological development.
5- Implementing a national digitization plan to improve digital transformation in government institutions. This includes digital platforms for providing government services to citizens, such as registering documents, paying taxes, and submitting complaints, with the aim of facilitating procedures and reducing the time and effort expended, which facilitates the services provided to citizens and increases the efficiency of government performance.
6- Training and rehabilitation programs for youth and professionals in the fields of information technology, in addition to holding workshops and lectures to enhance digital skills.
7- Supporting emerging companies, by providing financial support to encourage entrepreneurs to innovate and expand.
8- Cooperating with international companies to bring new expertise and technology to Iraq.
Mahoud explained that “the above-mentioned steps are important indicators of the trend towards sustainable economic and social development.”
He stressed “the government’s readiness to make every effort to provide support to all local and international entities, institutions and companies in order to develop the information and communications technology sector.”
He concluded by saying: “We urge all institutions and the private sector organizing the conference to exploit all challenges as an opportunity to achieve success in future plans.”
