- FIG subsea cable to deliver 720Tbps capacity, connecting Iraq to global data traffic.
- Partnership aims to boost Iraq’s role as a transit hub between Asia and Europe.
What happened: Ooredoo and ITPC partner to land FIG subsea cable in Iraq
Ooredoo Group and the Iraqi Telecommunications and Post Company (ITPC) have signed a Landing Party Agreement to land the Fibre in Gulf (FIG) subsea cable in Iraq. This landmark project positions Iraq as a critical transit hub for global data traffic between Asia and Europe. The FIG cable, the largest ever built in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, will provide an unprecedented 720 terabits per second (Tbps) of capacity across 24 fibre pairs, surpassing the combined capacity of all existing and planned Gulf cables.
The FIG cable is designed to meet the growing demands of businesses, hyperscalers, data centres, and telecom operators by delivering high-capacity, low-latency connectivity. Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad bin Nasser al-Thani, Group Regional CEO – Middle East, Ooredoo, highlighted the strategic importance of the project, stating that it will enhance Iraq’s digital infrastructure and support innovation, investment, and long-term economic growth.
Dr. Hayam al-Yasiri, Iraqi Minister of Communications, emphasised the national significance of the partnership, noting that Iraq’s strategic location makes it an ideal hub for regional and international data traffic. The project is expected to be operational by Q4 2027, driving advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
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Why it’s important
The landing of the FIG subsea cable in Iraq marks a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation. With a capacity of 720Tbps, the cable will address the increasing demand for high-speed, reliable connectivity, which is essential for supporting the growth of businesses, hyperscalers, and telecom operators. Iraq’s strategic geographic location positions it as a vital transit point for data traffic between Asia and Europe, enhancing its role in the global digital economy.
The project aligns with Iraq’s broader efforts to diversify its economy and strengthen its digital infrastructure. By providing unprecedented connectivity, the FIG cable will facilitate advancements in AI, cloud computing, and IoT, which are critical for modern economic development. Additionally, the partnership between Ooredoo and ITPC underscores the importance of collaboration between private and public sectors in driving technological progress.
