Iran

ETC Activities

The ETC does not currently have an active operation in Iran. Please login to access documentation on past inter-agency ICT projects. 

ICT Profile

Country background
Country name
Iran
Capital city
Tehran
Name of national disaster management agency

National Disaster Management Organization (NDMO)

Name of telecommunications ministry

Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

Name of telecommunications regulator

Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA)

Population

Approximately 89 million (as of 2024)

Country narrative

Iran, located in the Middle East, is a country of diverse landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and coastlines. It has a population of over 89 million people, with a growing urbanization trend. Iran faces various natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and droughts. The country has a robust telecommunications infrastructure but  faces significant geopolitical challenges and has been impacted by sanctions, influencing its economic and technological development. 

Currency

Iranian Rial (IRR)

Key ICT statistics
Fixed-telephone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

33 (2022)

Mobile-cellular subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

165 (2022)

Fixed (wired)-broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

12.34 (2022)

Mobile-broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

164.5 (2022)

GSMA mobile connectivity index score

65.7 (2022)

3G coverage % of population

85%

Regulations and rules
Regolations/Rules
Type of regulation
Disaster management
Policy name

Disaster Management Act (2016)

Description

The Disaster Management Act (2016) establishes the National Disaster Management Organization (NDMO) as the central authority for disaster preparedness and response in Iran. This law outlines the NDMO's responsibilities, including coordinating disaster management efforts across various government levels and collaborating with local authorities and international organizations. It mandates the NDMO to develop comprehensive disaster preparedness plans, manage emergency response operations, and ensure effective resource allocation during crises. The act aims to enhance national resilience against natural and man-made disasters through structured coordination and strategic planning.

Type of regulation
Telecommunications
Policy name

Communication Law (2002)

Description

The Communication Law (2002) regulates telecommunications within Iran and designates the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) as the primary regulatory body. This law empowers the MCIT to issue licenses to telecommunications providers, set service standards, and oversee infrastructure development. It establishes the framework for ensuring compliance with national standards, consumer protection, and data security. The law is designed to facilitate the growth and regulation of telecommunications services, ensuring quality and accessibility across the country.

Type of regulation
UAV
Policy name

Civil Aviation Law (2003)

Description

The Civil Aviation Law (2003) provides the legal foundation for regulating civil aviation activities in Iran, including the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Under this law, the Civil Aviation Organization (CAO) is responsible for licensing UAV operators, managing airspace integration, and enforcing safety standards. The law ensures that UAV operations are conducted in a manner that does not interfere with manned aircraft and adheres to safety and operational regulations. It aims to integrate UAVs into the national airspace system while maintaining high safety and operational standards.

Communications service providers
Mobile network operator (MNO)
Company name
Mobile Telecommunications Company of Iran (MCI)
GSMA HCC signatory
Yes
Parent company name (majority holding)
Iran Telecommunication Company (ITC)
Service description
Nationwide mobile voice, SMS, and data services (3G, 4G LTE)
Coverage map (provide URL)
https://www.gsma.com/coverage/#786
Mobile money service available
Yes
Mobile money service info
Hamrahe Aval platform
Fibre optic network
Yes
Voice and SMS services
Yes
3G/4G data services
Yes
Mobile network operator (MNO)
Company name
IranCell
GSMA HCC signatory
Yes
Parent company name (majority holding)
MTN Group
Service description
Mobile voice, SMS, and data services (3G, 4G LTE)
Coverage map (provide URL)
https://www.gsma.com/coverage/#1141
Mobile money service available
Yes
Mobile money service info
IranCell Wallet
Fibre optic network
Yes
Voice and SMS services
Yes
3G/4G data services
Yes
Mobile network operator (MNO)
Company name
Rightel
GSMA HCC signatory
Yes
Parent company name (majority holding)
The Social Security Organization
Service description
Mobile voice, SMS, and data services (3G, 4G LTE)
Coverage map (provide URL)
https://www.gsma.com/coverage/#1985
Mobile money service available
Yes
Mobile money service info
Rightel Wallet
Fibre optic network
Yes
Voice and SMS services
Yes
3G/4G data services
Yes