Iraq's Communications and Media Commission (CMC) kicked off legal proceedings on Monday to shut down the network of Korek Telecom, who is fighting the move, accusing the CMC of overstepping its authority. Korek Telecom – which operates in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region – and the CMC have been sparring since 2023, when the regulator ordered Korek to pay US$800 million to resolve an ongoing dispute over outstanding unpaid fees. Korek and the CMC agreed on a settlement deal last year regarding the telco’s financial debts. That said, the CMC also told Korek subscribers to keep their SIM cards until the regulator decides what to do with Korek’s network assets. The CMC statement said its actions are in accordance with Order (65) of 2004, the legislation that established the regulatory agency to oversee development of Iraq’s telecoms sector, ensure fair competition and protect the rights of subscribers.