IRAQ's Global ICT Program A Management Risk Assessment

Network Access

Network Access refers to the infrastructure capabilities of the specific society.  Based on my research, a lot of the technical infrastructure of Iraq was destroyed in the Gulf War.  By the 2003 Iraqi war, reconstruction efforts were minimal by Saddam Hussein and his regime.  After the war ended, almost the entire infrastructure was wiped out of Iraq.  Until the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, Internet access was tightly controlled and very few people were thought to be online; in 2002 it was estimated that only 25,000 Iraqis used the internet.

Since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, internet access has become commonplace. Uruklink, originally the sole Iraqi Internet service provider, now faces competition from other ISPs, including broadband satellite internet access services from both Middle East and European VSAT hubs.  The 2003 Iraq war severely disrupted telecommunications throughout Iraq, including international connections. USAID is overseeing the repair of switching capability and the construction of mobile and satellite communications facilities.

      Sample pricing of wireless broadband internet prices in Iraq:

                        Source: www.wbb-iraq.com