DUBAI, Nov 24 (Reuters) - Iraq's communications regulator has extended the deadline for companies to express an interest in buying the country's fourth national mobile telecom licence, a posting on its website said.

Earlier this month, the Communications and Media Commission (CMC) revealed it hoped to sell the licence, setting a Nov. 20 deadline for potential bidders for the 15-year licence to state their interest. urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL8N136393

This has now been extended to Dec. 10, the statement said without explaining why.

The country's three national mobile operators - Ooredoo's ORDS.QA Asiacell TASC.ISX , Zain Iraq TZNI.ISX and Korek - have seen margins and profitability decline as tough domestic competition, higher costs and service interruptions due to Islamic State's territorial gains affected their operations.

As such, a fourth licence will likely be a tough sell, industry sources say.

Last week, the chief executive of Kuwait's Agility AGLT.KW , a minority shareholder in Korek, questioned the viability of establishing a fourth operator in Iraq. urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL8N13D2B8

(Reporting by Matt Smith; Editing by Anand Basu) ((matt.smith1@thomsonreuters.com; 00971506354039; Reuters Messaging: matt.smith1.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))

Keywords: IRAQ TELECOMS/LICENCE