Omantel slashes tariffs

Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) has cut some of its rates, as part of a plan to revive the privatisation of the state-run firm, which has dragged on for over three years. Investors have said that the high tariffs charged by Omantel are one of the reasons why they are reluctant to purchase a stake in the company, and as a result the telco has cut its leased lines rates by around 54%, while internet leased lines were reduced by around 53% and local digital circuits by up to 60%. Last month Omantel also invited international firms to apply for a licence to set up a mobile company that would end the telco’s monopoly.