TRA shortlists six for wireless licence

Oman’s Telecommunication Regulation Authority has shortlisted six companies to compete for the country’s second wireless licence. The half dozen candidates include Cable & Wireless (bidding in tandem with Batelco), MTC of Kuwait, Austria’s MobilCom, Qtel (in association with TDC), InvestCom of Luxembourg and Celtel International; the winner is expected to be announced next month. The winner will operate in competition with the state owned incumbent Oman Mobile Telecommunications Company. No further wireless licences will be awarded for three years, to help the alternative provider get off the ground.