Iraq NTN Licensing: CMC Consults on Satellite & A2G Telecom Rules

Iraq NTN Licensing: CMC Opens Public Consultation on Draft Regulation for Satellite and Air-to-Ground Telecom Services

The Communications and Media Commission (CMC) of Iraq has opened a public consultation on its Draft Regulation for Granting Licenses for Telecommunications Services in Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). The draft establishes a dedicated licensing pathway for telecom services delivered from space and airborne platforms, explicitly including in-flight connectivity via air-to-ground (A2G) systems. Stakeholders may submit comments until October 3, 2026.

The consultation marks a significant step toward a formal, structured regime for satellite and airborne connectivity in Iraq, a market where demand for satellite broadband has grown rapidly and where regulatory clarity has become a priority for operators, airlines, and equipment suppliers alike.

Regulatory Background

The CMC, established under CPA Order No. 65 of 2004, is Iraq's independent regulator for telecommunications, broadcasting, and media, and is responsible for spectrum management, service licensing, and equipment type approval.

Over the past year, the Commission has been building out its framework for space-based services. In 2025, it published a regulation on licensing ground stations for space services, which introduced licence categories such as Earth Stations in Motion (ESIM). The new NTN draft extends this work from ground infrastructure to the services themselves.

The timing is notable. On September 27, 2026, the CMC confirmed that Starlink had obtained an official operating licence in Iraq, underscoring the need for a comprehensive rulebook covering satellite and other non-terrestrial service providers.

Summary of the Draft Iraq NTN Licensing Regulation

Based on the published consultation materials, the draft regulation:

• Creates a licensing framework for telecommunications services delivered over non-terrestrial networks, including satellite-based systems.

• Covers in-flight connectivity, specifically air-to-ground (A2G) services used to provide connectivity on board aircraft.

• Sets technical and regulatory standards for NTN services, with a focus on the efficient use of radio spectrum.

• Requires compliance with approved technical requirements, linking service authorization to equipment and system conformity.

  
  

The CMC is inviting input from telecom companies, service operators and providers, airlines, airports, government entities, and other interested parties.

How to submit comments: Responses should be sent by email to vsat@cmc.iq before October 3, 2026. The CMC asks that submissions, where possible, identify the specific article or clause concerned, propose the amended wording, and provide supporting justification. The Commission has stated that all responses will be reviewed and evaluated.

What This Means for Manufacturers

Although the draft is primarily a service licensing instrument, it has direct implications for manufacturers of satellite and airborne communications equipment:

1. Equipment conformity becomes a licensing condition. Because the draft ties NTN services to compliance with approved technical requirements, operators will need assurance that the terminals, gateways, and airborne systems they deploy meet CMC requirements. Manufacturers should expect operators to request evidence of CMC type approval as part of their licence applications.

   
   

2. Broader product scope. NTN-capable user terminals, VSAT and ESIM equipment, aircraft connectivity systems (A2G radios, onboard access points), and potentially satellite-enabled IoT and direct-to-device products may all fall within the framework once finalized.

   
   

3. Spectrum alignment matters. With the draft emphasizing efficient spectrum use, devices must operate within the bands and technical parameters the CMC authorizes. Products designed for other markets may require configuration or firmware adjustments for Iraq.

   
   

4. Standards reference. CMC type approval has generally relied on European (CE/ETSI-based) test evidence. Manufacturers with existing RED-compliant test reports are well positioned, but should confirm whether the final NTN regulation introduces any Iraq-specific requirements.

   
   

5. Opportunity to shape the rules. The consultation is the most effective point at which to raise concerns about technical requirements, certification scope, or transition periods before they become binding.

   
   

Certification Impact Summary

Area	Expected Impact	Impact Level	Notes
Service licensing (NTN operators)	New dedicated licensing framework	High	Applies to satellite and A2G service providers
In-flight connectivity (A2G)	Explicitly covered by the draft	High	Airlines, airports, and A2G providers are named stakeholders
Equipment type approval (CMC)	Conformity to approved technical requirements required	Medium–High	Terminals and airborne systems likely to need CMC approval
Spectrum authorization	Rules on efficient spectrum use	Medium–High	Verify permitted bands and parameters in the final text
Ground/earth stations	Complements the 2025 ground station regulation	Medium	ESIM and gateway rules already in place
Existing licensees	Transitional treatment not yet confirmed	To be confirmed	Check final text for grandfathering or transition periods

Timeline and Required Actions

Key Milestones

Date	Milestone	Status
2025	CMC publishes regulation on licensing ground stations for space services	Completed
September 2026	CMC publishes Draft NTN Licensing Regulation for public consultation	Completed
September 27, 2026	CMC confirms Starlink operating licence in Iraq	Completed
October 3, 2026	Deadline for public consultation comments	Open
Q4 2026 (expected)	CMC review and evaluation of stakeholder submissions	Pending
To be announced	Publication of final NTN licensing regulation and effective date	Pending

Required Actions

Before October 3, 2026

• Download and review the Arabic draft regulation from the CMC website (with professional translation if needed).

• Identify clauses affecting your products or services: technical requirements, spectrum, licence categories, and equipment conformity.

• Prepare and submit comments to vsat@cmc.iq, citing article numbers, proposed amendments, and justification.

  
  

After the consultation closes

• Monitor the CMC website for the final regulation, effective date, and any transition provisions.

• Map your NTN, VSAT, ESIM, and A2G portfolio against the final technical requirements.

• Confirm the status of existing CMC type approvals and plan new applications where required.

• Coordinate with operator and airline customers on documentation they will need for licensing.

  
  

Ongoing

• Keep European (RED/ETSI) test reports current, as they typically underpin CMC approvals.

• Allow for potential processing delays, as CMC approval timelines have varied during periods of institutional transition.

  
  

Conclusion

The CMC's draft regulation is a clear signal that Iraq is formalizing its approach to satellite and airborne connectivity. For service providers, it defines how to obtain authorization; for manufacturers, it reinforces that equipment conformity and spectrum compliance will be prerequisites for market access. With the comment window closing on October 3, 2026, stakeholders should act quickly to review the draft and make their positions known.

CERTA Global Consulting monitors regulatory developments across the Middle East and worldwide. Contact our team for support with CMC type approval, NTN equipment certification, and market access strategy in Iraq.