Peregraf - Iraq's Communications and Media Commission (CMC) announced Sunday it is proceeding with legal and regulatory measures to shut down Korek Telecom's network, following the expiration of its contract with the company and the cancellation of a settlement agreement reached earlier.
In a statement, the CMC said the settlement deal was voided after Korek failed to meet its contractual, legal, and financial obligations. The commission said it has already taken legal, financial, and administrative steps against the company, including placing a hold on its movable and immovable assets, acting under the powers granted to it by Order No. 65 of 2004.
The CMC confirmed it will continue implementing all necessary procedures to halt the operation of Korek's network, including shutting down all of the company's network components, devices, and systems.
The commission renewed its earlier warning to Korek subscribers — individuals as well as government and private institutions — telling them not to renew subscriptions, top up balances, or sign up for any new services offered by the company, and not to pay any outstanding dues, in order to avoid financial losses tied to the network's shutdown and the legal measures against it.
Subscribers were also urged to hold on to their SIM cards rather than dispose of them or hand them over to anyone, with the CMC saying further instructions on this matter will be issued through its official website and platforms.
The statement further called on Korek employees and contractors to safeguard company property and protect personal, financial, and legal data, warning that leaking, copying, or circulating any company records without legal authorization would expose violators to legal accountability.
Separately, the CMC appealed to owners of properties hosting telecom towers to protect the towers and their equipment, stating that property owners bear full legal responsibility for any loss, tampering, or damage. It called on them to cooperate with the commission and relevant security agencies, and not to allow Korek employees or contractors working for the company to access towers or move, dismantle, or otherwise handle any equipment without prior approval from the CMC.
The CMC said all measures taken against Korek Telecom are grounded in Order No. 65 of 2004 and applicable laws, aimed at protecting the public interest, safeguarding subscriber rights, and ensuring the proper regulation of Iraq's telecommunications sector.