Iraq
Mobile networks and carriers in Iraq use 1 GSM band, 2 UMTS bands, and 1 LTE band. Find out if your unlocked phone or mobile device will work in Iraq. See the tables below for details.
Will your phone or mobile device work in Iraq?
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Check device compatibilityIraq's mobile network has undergone significant development since the fall of the Ba'ath party regime in 2003. Prior to this, the telecommunications sector was tightly controlled by Saddam Hussein's regime, with landlines being the primary means of communication. After the regime's fall, the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) issued Order No 65 in 2004 to develop the telecommunications infrastructure and establish a framework for competition among service providers. This led to the creation of the Communications and Media Commission (CMC), which is responsible for organizing and licensing telecommunications services.
The first mobile phone permits were granted in December 2003 for the Kurdistan region, followed by permits for the central region, including Baghdad, and the southern region. These initial permits expired in December 2005. In 2007, the Ministry of Communications issued long-term licenses (15-20 years) to three mobile phone companies: Zain, Asiacell, and Korektel. These companies have maintained a monopoly on services under long-term contracts until 2022.
Iraq's mobile penetration has grown significantly, with approximately 36 million subscribers, representing about 90 percent of the population. The mobile network infrastructure is primarily based on third-generation (3G) technology, although some areas still use second-generation (2G) services. The mobile operators utilize technologies from companies like Ericsson and Huawei to provide 4G LTE services, which have been launched in many populated areas. Despite these advancements, the internet penetration remains relatively low, with about 20 million users not including mobile phone use.
Carriers
| Name | # of frequency bands in use |
|---|---|
| Asiacell | 4 |
| Korek | 4 |
| Zain | 3 |
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Frequencies in use
GSM
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| 900 MHz (E-GSM) | GSM |
UMTS
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| B1 (2100 MHz) | UMTS |
| B8 (900 MHz GSM) | UMTS |
LTE
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| B3 (1800 MHz +) | LTE |
