Korek slams warning by Iraqi regulator to block services

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Telecommunications company Korek on Monday criticized Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission (CMC) for threatening to block its services and called for an impartial investigations committee to be formed.

Korek said it was “surprised” by the statement from the CMC, stating that the company has always abided by the regulations imposed by state institutions. It also slammed the action by the CMC as “illegal”.

The CMC on Sunday warned telecommunications company Korek that it would block the operator’s services in 10 days if it does not meet its financial obligations. 

Korek stressed that it has been engaged in talks with the commission to resolve the issues between the two parties, originating, in Korek’s view, from a “fundamental error” by the commission.

The telecommunication company said it expressed its readiness to pay the arrears and advanced suggestions to resolve all pending issues in accordance with the law, noting that it would not publish documents supporting these claims in order not to portray the investment environment in Iraq as “not safe.” 

Korek called on Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani and Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi to establish an “impartial” committee to investigate the facts.

This instance is not the first time the regulatory body has taken action against Korek. In March 2019, the CMC ordered operators to block calls between their users and Korek customers, saying Korek had failed to meet its “contractual obligations” to allow customers to keep their phone numbers when they change service providers. Calls between Korek and other operators were blocked for five days.