Nawras launches mobile TV service

Omani telecoms operator Nawras has announced the launch of a mobile TV service offering a twelve different national and international channels. The company, which is majority owned by Qatar Telecom (Qtel), claimed to be the first operator in the country to soft launch a mobile TV service in January 2009, when customers were able to watch the Gulf Cup 19 football tournament free of charge. Said Al-Shanfari, team leader of voice services at Nawras, commented: ‘Before launching, we explored every angle of this service to make sure that it is easy to find, easy to use and easy on the pocket too. We are confident that our customers will be delighted with the fantastic choice that we are offering and the pleasingly different way we deliver and charge for Nawras Mobile TV.’ To access the service subscribers require a 3G-enabled handset. Nawras’ EDGE network currently covers over 96% of the population, while its 3G network provides coverage to 40% of the population.