Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission (CMC) has deployed 48 technical teams across key locations to monitor and maintain telecommunications services during the Arbaeen pilgrimage, ensuring resilient connectivity for millions of pilgrims expected to travel across the country.
The technical teams will oversee the performance of mobile networks and communications infrastructure throughout the pilgrimage, working closely with telecom operators to identify and resolve service issues while maintaining network quality during one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings. The initiative is designed to support uninterrupted voice and data services as network demand surges during the event.
The deployment highlights the critical role of telecommunications in enabling public safety, emergency response and digital services during large-scale national events.
Telecom resilience is critical during mass gatherings
Major public events place exceptional pressure on mobile networks as millions of users simultaneously access voice, messaging and mobile broadband services.
Telecommunications operators typically increase network capacity by deploying temporary base stations, mobile cell sites and additional spectrum resources to accommodate higher traffic volumes. Real-time monitoring enables engineers to quickly detect congestion and maintain service quality, ensuring reliable connectivity for attendees and emergency services.
Effective network planning has become an essential component of event management for large-scale gatherings around the world.
Reliable connectivity supports public safety and emergency response
Communications infrastructure plays a vital role in coordinating emergency services during large religious, sporting and public events.
Reliable mobile networks enable first responders, healthcare providers, security agencies and event organisers to communicate efficiently while allowing pilgrims to access navigation, emergency assistance and digital information services. Maintaining network availability also supports family communication and location-sharing during periods of exceptionally high population density.
Ensuring resilient telecommunications infrastructure is therefore a key element of public safety planning.
Network monitoring enables proactive service management
Continuous technical monitoring allows regulators and operators to respond rapidly to network performance issues before they affect large numbers of users.
Field engineering teams use network analytics and operational monitoring tools to identify congestion, equipment faults and service degradation in real time. Close coordination between regulators and mobile operators also improves incident response and helps optimise network performance throughout the duration of major events.
These capabilities are becoming increasingly important as mobile data usage continues to grow.
Digital infrastructure underpins national event readiness
As countries accelerate digital transformation, telecommunications infrastructure is becoming a strategic asset for managing major national and international events.
Investments in mobile broadband, fibre networks and intelligent network management enable governments to deliver more resilient communications during periods of peak demand. Strengthening event connectivity also supports digital government services, transport coordination and public information systems that improve the overall experience for visitors and residents.
Iraq’s preparations for Arbaeen demonstrate the growing importance of integrating telecommunications planning into national event management strategies.
Why this matters
The deployment of 48 technical teams by Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission underscores the importance of proactive network management during one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. By working alongside telecom operators to maintain service quality, the regulator is helping ensure reliable communications that support public safety, emergency response and the millions of pilgrims participating in Arbaeen.
Editor’s note
Large-scale events are increasingly testing the resilience of national telecommunications infrastructure. As mobile connectivity becomes indispensable for navigation, emergency communications and digital services, regulators and operators are investing in advanced monitoring, temporary network capacity and real-time analytics to maintain performance under extreme demand. Iraq’s latest initiative reflects a broader industry trend towards treating telecom resilience as a core component of national event preparedness and critical infrastructure management.
