FRiENDi bags 100,000 subscribers

Mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) FRiENDi has signed up 100,000 subscribers in Oman, Dubai-based paper The National reports. The company, which is based in the UAE, launched commercial services nationwide in April 2009, offering services on the network of incumbent operator Omantel. According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms database, Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) awarded five-year Class II licences to five companies in July 2008 with the stipulation that they were to become MVNOs. The winners were Connect Arabia (bidding on behalf of FRiENDi Mobile), Injaz International, Kalam Telecommunications, Majan Telecom and Mazoon Mobile. Shortly after the launch of FRiENDi, Majan Telecommunication launched services under the brand Renna, followed by Halafoni, a joint venture between radio stations Hala FM and Hi FM, and Connect Arabia, the following July.