Gulf Bridge International (GBI), in partnership with iQ Networks (iQ), signed Iraq’s inaugural dark fiber IRU framework agreement in Baghdad. This landmark deal is a pivotal move towards establishing Iraq as an essential telecommunications hub.
H.E. Eng. Essa Bin Hilal Al-Kuwari, Chairman of Gulf Bridge International, expressed his enthusiasm for the agreement, noting that, “This partnership underscores GBI’s commitment to advancing regional connectivity and digital transformation. By joining forces with iQ Networks, we are not only enabling Iraq to become a strategic hub for data transit but also fostering innovation and creating a robust digital ecosystem that benefits businesses and communities alike.”
GBI CEO Exclusive: GBI Empowers Digital Economies by Being a Preferred and Trusted Infrastructure Partner
During the signing ceremony, conducted in the presence of the Iraqi Ministry of Telecommunications, attendees also celebrated the achievement of surpassing 1 terabit of capacity on the Silk Route Transit, underscoring the impressive potential and reliability of iQ’s infrastructure. Numerous companies, including Gulf Bridge International, are already utilizing capacity on this route, while others are in the active testing phase.
“The fact that we’ve surpassed 1 terabit of active capacity is more than a technical milestone,” said Asoz Rashid, CEO of iQ Group. “It’s a clear indication of Iraq’s evolving role in the global digital economy. The Silk Route Transit is the first step towards reshaping Iraq’s economy away from natural resources, laying the groundwork for a future defined by data and technology.”
Waseem Amjad, CEO of iQ Networks, highlighted the broader impact of this achievement, adding that, “Reaching 1 terabit of capacity is transformative for iQ. One key feature is its integration with global OTT peering, which enhances how efficiently content is delivered across the internet. By building strong peering relationships with global OTT providers, we’re reducing latency and improving user experience, allowing AI to develop, regional financial institutions to process faster, and so much more. In short, this will impact everyone.”
Read More: Strengthening Iraq’s Telecom Industry for a Brighter Digital Future
