Mobile operator Zain Iraq is to expand coverage to the Kurdistan region of Iraq as part of plans to extend services to the entire country. The move follows France Telecom and Agility Logistics’ acquisition of a 44% stake Korek Telecom, which is based in…
Mobile operator Zain Iraq is to expand coverage to the Kurdistan region of Iraq as part of plans to extend services to the entire country. The move follows France Telecom and Agility Logistics’ acquisition of a 44% stake Korek Telecom, which is based in Kurdistan, earlier this month.
In its first phase, service will reach all areas in the northern provinces, while a second phase will include remote villages and roads in the north leading to complete coverage of the country.
The company also said that it will use Kurdish, Arabic and English.
Welcoming the move, Zain Iraq CEO Emad Makiya said: “The coverage of Kurdistan will not only be welcomed by the local population, it will play key role in spurring business and accelerate the pace of construction and reconstruction. Only the oil industry has invested more in the region and this surely must demonstrate our commitment to playing a key role in the rehabilitation of this great nation.”
Zain is the country’s leading mobile operator, while QTel-owned Asiacell is number two and Korek number three. A fourth mobile licence is due to be auctioned at some point this year.
