Iraq has officially launched Starlink satellite internet services, marking a significant step in expanding the country's digital connectivity and broadband infrastructure, Shafaq News reported.

Balegh Abu Kalal, head of the executive body of Iraq's Communications and Media Commission (CMC), announced on July 29 that the service had entered commercial operation.

"With God's blessing, the actual launch of Starlink service in Iraq has taken place," Abu Kalal said in a post on X.

The launch follows the signing of a licensing agreement on July 17 at the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington during Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's visit to the US. The ceremony was attended by  Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and Abu Kalal,

The service comes after months of regulatory and technical preparations to introduce the satellite-based broadband service to the Iraqi market.

Authorities have been working to establish the legal and operational framework governing Starlink's deployment, enabling users to access the service in accordance with regulations approved by the country's telecommunications authorities.

The introduction of Starlink is expected to improve internet access in underserved and remote areas where fixed-line and mobile broadband networks remain limited or unreliable. 

It is also anticipated to provide businesses, government institutions and households with an alternative high-speed connectivity option.

The service, operated by SpaceX, uses a constellation of low-Earth-orbit satellites to deliver broadband internet with lower latency than traditional satellite systems.

The rollout forms part of Iraq's broader efforts to modernise its telecommunications sector, expand digital infrastructure, and improve internet services, in response to demand for reliable, high-speed connectivity.