The Iraqi cabinet has approved a licence for Vodafone Global Telecommunications to operate the country’s first 5G network.
The cabinet directed the ministry of communications to proceed with the project, state-run Iraq News Agency (INA) reported, citing a statement by the prime minister’s media office.
Vodafone said it was discussing a role as an advisor in designing the network rather than operating it, Reuters reported.
“Discussions are still ongoing. We do not yet have an agreed contract,” the company said.
No financial details were given.
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Last month, Iraqi communications minister Hiyam Al-Yasiri said that the cabinet granted permission to negotiate with global companies and work on the process to launch a 5G network, e-payment services and cybersecurity, according to the INA.
The cabinet approved the plan for the rollout of a 5G network in October 2023 to develop telecommunications infrastructure and help join the 52 countries that have launched the network so far.