Iraq has announced full technical preparedness to manage mobile communication services during the Ashura pilgrimage in Karbala, one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings. The Communications and Media Commission (CMC), led by Nawfal Abu Ragheef, detailed extensive upgrades and infrastructure enhancements ahead of the event.
Preparations began prior to the Islamic month of Muharram and will intensify through the Ashura peak on the 10th day, continuing into the 40-day Arba’een pilgrimage that honors Imam Hussein Bin Ali’s martyrdom. This event draws millions of Shiite pilgrims from Iraq, Iran, and other parts of the Muslim world.
Abu Ragheef stated that over 1,253 telecom towers will cover Karbala Province this year, including 73 new towers along access roads and 106 permanent towers erected to expand network coverage and performance. The deployment of 75 high-capacity “smart cells” within Bayn al-Haramayn — the area between the shrines of Imam Hussein and his brother Abu Al-Fadl Al-Abbas — will significantly enhance signal strength and provide uninterrupted connectivity amid the massive influx of visitors.
Notably, mobile network capacity has seen a nearly 500% increase from last year, with 606 towers operating on exceptional frequency bands during Ashura compared to just 73 previously. Additional towers have been installed at key border crossings and entry points such as Shalamcheh, Sheeb, Safwan, Mehran, and Najaf International Airport to support the expected surge of international pilgrims.
The CMC also confirmed that all telecom operators in Karbala have transitioned to 4G networks with infrastructure prepared to support future 5G deployment. Cutting-edge AI-powered predictive models will be utilized to forecast crowd congestion, enabling authorities to take proactive measures and alleviate pressure on critical areas throughout the city.
These comprehensive measures aim to ensure seamless connectivity and enhanced safety during the Ashura pilgrimage, reinforcing Iraq’s commitment to facilitating one of the world’s most significant religious events.
