ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq's communications ministry announced on Wednesday that the government has provided free internet service to more than 2,500 schools in Baghdad and other provinces, marking a major step in a nationwide digital transformation program, state media reported.
“We have so far provided approximately 2,500 schools with free internet service via high-speed fiber optic cables, including more than 550 schools in the Karkh area [western Baghdad] and over 350 schools in the Rusafa area [eastern Baghdad],” Iraqi Communications Minister Hiyam al-Yasiri said, as cited by the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA).
Yasiri described the initiative as a key component of the government’s digital transformation agenda and a “top priority for the current administration.”
“Internet access in schools is currently available until 3:00 p.m., but since some schools operate in two shifts, I will issue instructions to extend the service until the end of the second shift,” she added, noting that the ministry is also working to enhance connectivity in areas where service remains weak.