iQ Networks and GBI sign Iraq’s first dark fibre deal

iQ Networks and GBI sign Iraq’s first dark fibre deal is profiled by BTW Media because published evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

• iQ Networks signs Iraq’s first dark fibre IRU framework agreement with GBI.
• The deal is a key step in making Iraq a telecommunications hub, boosting the Silk Route Transit’s capacity.

What happened: iQ Networks and GBI Sign Dark Fibre Agreement

On 7th January, iQ Networks, a subsidiary of Sulaymaniya’s iQ Group, signed Iraq’s first-ever dark fibre IRU framework agreement with Gulf Bridge International (GBI) in Baghdad. This agreement is a significant move toward establishing Iraq as a major telecommunications hub.

As part of the event, the companies also celebrated surpassing 1 terabyte of active capacity on the Silk Route Transit. Several companies, including GBI, are already using this capacity, with others actively testing it. This milestone marks an important step in Iraq’s digital transformation, positioning the country as a pivotal player in the global digital economy.

Also read: What is a dark fibre network?
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Why it’s important

This agreement marks a crucial moment in Iraq’s telecommunications industry, signaling its shift from a natural resources-driven economy to one focused on data and technology.

The partnership between iQ Networks and GBI not only increases Iraq’s capacity for global data transit but also boosts regional connectivity and the digital ecosystem. With over 1 terabyte of active capacity, Iraq is now in a position to improve internet content delivery, reduce latency, and accelerate digital services such as AI and financial institutions’ operations.

This development is expected to have widespread benefits, ranging from businesses to everyday consumers, furthering Iraq’s place in the global digital economy. The deal also reflects the growing importance of strong peering relationships with global OTT providers to enhance service quality and support regional innovation.