‘Internet providers prioritize profits’
3.5 million fiber optic lines ready in Iraq, but 700k are in use, says communications minister
Baghdad — Communications Minister Hayam Al-Yasiri said on Wednesday that internet providers and tower owners are sticking with “Wi-Fi” services because they yield significant profits, despite offering poor service to citizens. She also said that Iraq has 3.5 million fiber optic lines (FTTH) and is banking on public awareness to encourage the transition to this faster technology.
In an interview with the official news agency, Al-Yasiri said, “The ministry is committed to rapidly expanding and achieving a large number of fiber optic lines to homes, known as FTTH, reaching 3.5 million lines. However, providers and tower owners prefer to continue offering internet service via Wi-Fi because they make greater profits compared to transitioning to FTTH. Therefore, they insist on maintaining Wi-Fi towers.”
She added, “Wi-Fi technology is weak and limited, providing poor service to citizens who may not realize the reason for the poor service is because Wi-Fi does not use fiber optics.” Al-Yasiri pointed out that “fiber optics is a very fast and broadband technology.”
“We are relying on the awareness of the citizens for this transition and hope they have the will and culture to move from Wi-Fi to FTTH,” she continued.
Al-Yasiri acknowledged that “the fiber optics are available and ready, with 3.5 million lines, of which only 700,000 have been marketed.” She noted that “the ministry is continuing with a strong awareness, education, and media campaign, with mobile teams visiting citizens’ homes to inform them about the ready lines and areas.”
The minister previously assured that there will be no losses for tower owners or unscheduled deactivations. She stated that companies working on fiber-to-the-home lines have completed their work in dozens of Iraqi areas in preparation for tower deactivation.
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