Omantel connects two more villages

Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) has connected the remote interior villages of Oafa in Bahla and Wadi Saqt in Samail to the PSTN, via a wireless local loop (WiLL), as part of its universal service obligation. The telco began deploying WiLL networks in rural and underserved regions in 2003, complemented by VSAT links to connect the most remote areas; in March 2006 it contracted Chinese vendor Huawei to carry out WiLL installations in 200 settlements and bring services to an additional 28,000 subscribers. Over 160 villages have now been connected.