Iraqi telecom operator iQ Networks has announced the signing of Iraq’s first dark fibre IRU framework agreement with Gulf Bridge International (GBI), a Qatar-based subsea cable operator. Along with the agreement, iQ Networks revealed that its terrestrial transit network now has over 1 Tbps of capacity.
The company is developing its “Silk Route Transit” fibre optic network, designed to serve as a key transit hub connecting Iraq to its neighbouring countries, including Turkey, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iran. This network aims to provide a terrestrial link between Europe and Asia.
GBI is already using capacity on the Silk Route Transit network, along with several other companies, while others are actively testing the service, according to iQ Networks.
The agreement with GBI, signed last week in Baghdad, coincides with Silk Route Transit surpassing the 1 Tbps capacity milestone. iQ Group CEO Asoz Rashid hailed the deal as a “pivotal move” in establishing Iraq as a crucial telecommunications hub.
Rashid also emphasized the strategic importance of the Silk Route Transit, stating, “This is the first step toward reshaping Iraq’s economy, shifting away from natural resources, and laying the foundation for a future driven by data and technology.”
iQ Networks CEO Waseem Amjad highlighted the integration of the Silk Route Transit with global over-the-top (OTT) peering as a key feature. By fostering strong peering relationships with global OTT providers, the network will reduce latency and enhance user experiences. This improvement will support the development of artificial intelligence, faster regional financial transactions, and various other technological advancements, benefiting a wide range of users across the region.
