Minister of Information and Communications Technology Seyed Sattar Hashemi has expressed the ICT Ministry’s full readiness to serve Arabaeen pilgrims, providing free internet access, improved roaming, and special communication packages.
He also stated that Iran and Iraq agreed to increase cooperation in the
field of ICT during his visit to Baghdad last week.
Speaking at the second meeting of the ICT Ministry’s Arbaeen Headquarters,
Hashemi announced the expansion of communication capacity between Iran and
Iraq, the establishment of more than 100 free internet access points along the
Arbaeen march route, improvements to roaming services, and a special mandate to
operators to provide communication packages tailored to the needs of Arbaeen
pilgrims.
“The ICT Ministry has defined its Arbaeen responsibilities in two areas:
domestic and international. The first involves implementing the necessary
measures to develop and maintain communication infrastructure within the
country, particularly at the pilgrims’ border crossing points, while the second
focuses on international coordination and cooperation with Iraq to provide
appropriate services for pilgrims.”
Referring to the follow-up efforts and measures taken by the governors
of Ilam, Khuzestan, Kurdistan, Kermanshah, and West Azerbaijan provinces bordering
Iraq, he added: The demands raised by the governors are based on the experience
of previous years, and despite existing limitations, our collective effort is
to address these demands in the best possible way.”
Hashemi also thanked MCI, Irancell, Rightel, Telecommunication Company
of Iran, Shatel, and Mobinnet for implementing Arbaeen communication programs,
saying “The reports presented indicate that all organizations are preparing
services for pilgrims with maximum capacity.”
Field Assessment of Iraq’s Communications Status
Referring to his visit to Iraq last week, the ICT Minister said that its
primary objective was to conduct a field assessment of the communications
situation and coordinate with the Iraqi side.
“During this trip, agreements were reached between Iranian and Iraqi
operators, one of the most important being the expansion of communication link
capacity between the two countries.”
“Based on the agreement, communication capacity between Iran and Iraq
has increased, and the agreement has already been implemented. Therefore, we
expect that there will be no significant bandwidth issues during the Arbaeen
period,” Hashemi noted.
He also announced an agreement to provide free internet at more than 100
locations along the Arbaeen march route.
“One of the most important pieces of field feedback from pilgrims was
the rapid depletion of communication packages in Iraq. Accordingly, the
Communications Regulatory Authority has been tasked, in cooperation with
operators, to design and offer packages that match the actual needs of
pilgrims.”
To reduce pilgrims’ concerns, the ICT Minister stated, more than 100
stations providing free internet have been designated along the Arbaeen march
route so that pilgrims can use communication services without worry.
He also announced new agreements between Iranian and Iraqi operators in
the area of roaming and expressed hope that these measures would improve the
quality of communication services during Arbaeen.
Expansion of Iran–Iraq Tech Ties
Referring to the negotiations held with Iraqi officials during his
recent visit, Hashemi announced plans to expand technological cooperation
between the two neighboring countries.
“In the near future, we will host Iraq’s Minister of Communications, and
we hope these interactions will mark the beginning of broader cooperation in
technology and the digital economy between the two countries.”
Hashemi referred to the responsibilities assigned to Post Bank of Iran
during Arbaeen, saying “Post Bank has been tasked with using the capacity of
its branches to seriously pursue the provision of foreign currency for pilgrims
so that appropriate and streamlined services can be provided to the public in
this area.”
He also stressed the need to ensure stable communications in busy border
areas in cooperation with Iran’s Law Enforcement Command (FARAJA).
“Pilgrims should have access to high-quality and stable communication
services without concern when leaving the country and upon returning home.”
Stable Network during Martyred Leader’s Funeral
At the conclusion of the meeting, the ICT Minister praised the
performance of the country’s communications sector during the funeral procession
of the martyred leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khameni.
“Through the coordination and synergy of various agencies, the
communication infrastructure in the provinces of Tehran, Qom, and Razavi
Khorasan was made available to the public with desirable quality and stability.
This achievement was the result of the valuable cooperation of all executive,
civilian, and military institutions,” he stated.