Iraq internet affordability remains a growing concern as the country ranks 10th among Arab nations and 114th globally, highlighting both progress and challenges in digital access. The report by CEOWORLD magazine shows how Iraq continues to face pricing disparities despite ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and competitiveness in the telecommunications market.
Experts say Iraq internet affordability plays a crucial role in supporting education, e-commerce, and entrepreneurship. As more Iraqis depend on digital platforms for work and learning, affordable data becomes essential for inclusion and development.
Compared to regional peers, Iraq internet affordability remains moderate. Qatar leads the Arab world with the lowest internet cost at $0.07 per megabit, followed by the UAE and Bahrain. In contrast, Iraq records an average cost of $2.33 per megabit, showing clear room for improvement. However, the steady decline in prices signals gradual progress in Iraq’s telecommunications sector.
Globally, Singapore maintains its lead with the world’s cheapest internet at just $0.03 per megabit. Meanwhile, countries like Burundi and South Sudan struggle with high costs exceeding $4 per megabit. This vast difference highlights the gap between developed and emerging markets in digital access.
Within Iraq, internet providers continue to compete for users by offering faster and cheaper data plans. Consumers in major cities like Baghdad and Erbil experience better connectivity than rural regions, where service quality still lags.
Telecom operators are now investing heavily in fiber-optic networks and 5G readiness to enhance Iraq internet affordability. These upgrades aim to expand high-speed access nationwide and attract foreign investment into Iraq’s digital infrastructure.
Furthermore, government initiatives encourage private partnerships to bridge connectivity gaps and improve service quality. Officials view affordable internet as a foundation for economic diversification and youth employment.
As Iraq strengthens its telecom infrastructure, experts predict more competitive prices and better coverage across the country. This trend could boost innovation, digital trade, and e-learning in the years ahead.
Overall, Iraq internet affordability continues to evolve as both the public and private sectors invest in connectivity, signaling a more digitally connected future.