The decision was made during a meeting between Iran ICT Minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi and the head of Iraqi Communication Regulatory Authority Ali Naser Al-Khuwailidi and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Fallah. The Iraqi official visited Tehran on Feb 2-5.
Promoting bilateral ICT ties and looking into disruptions in communications reported by Iranian pilgrims visiting the neighboring country during religious occasions last October, were discussed during Al-Khuwailidi’s tour, according to Financial Tribune.
Jahromi said a joint taskforce is envisaged to help improve telecom services to pilgrims from both countries, the public relations office of Iran Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) said.
"It will also propose solutions to curb radio frequency interference, non-synchronized video and audio transfer along the joint border, lowering communication costs and encouraging ICT investments. We will try to establish a smart system for guiding and supporting pilgrims who lose their way during the pilgrimage.”
Al-Khuwailidi said safety and convenience of pilgrims has been a concern and the Iraqi communication ombudsman is willing to collaborate with the Iranians to help.
During the last Arbaeen ritual in late October, Iranian Space Research Center in collaboration with the ICT Ministry used communication balloons near the joint Iraq border to provide pilgrims better communication services.
Arbaeen is the 40th day that marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (PBUH), the third Imam of Shia Muslims, his family members and close aides in 680 AD in the Karbala desert in central Iraq that is home to his mausoleum visited by millions of Muslims throughout the year.