Success and failure of telecommunications business in Iraq: A case study of Korek Telecom Vs Mobitel

Abstract

This paper will investigate the main factors that contribute to the success and/or failure of telecommunications companies in Kurdistan region – Iraq. Two companies located in Kurdistan region are chosen as they share similar opportunities and threats that would make the findings more reliable. Some senior employees from both companies have been interviewed to share their information and knowledge. The results obtained show that moving first into the telecommunication industry must be accompanied with having a clear business strategy, market understanding and readiness and correct capital budgeting decisions for a company to achieve a sustainable success. Those findings are mostly in line with the business literature, however, there are some factors that are beyond the control of any single company, such as the political environment, which could have different effects on different companies.