Nawras selects Huawei for network modernisation project

Oman’s second national telecoms operator Nawras has announced that it has selected Huawei as the preferred bidder for a network modernisation project and managed services, following a comprehensive tender process. As part of the agreement, the Chinese vendor will provide a Radio Access Network (RAN) and undertake a modernisation of the RAN in order to accommodate anticipated developments, including the launch of Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology. Separately, the parties intend to sign an agreement covering managed services for both the fixed and mobile networks, which will further advance efficiency. Final details of the contract are still to be negotiated. Nawras, which is 55% owned by Qatar Telecom (Qtel), is the Sultanate’s second largest cellco by subscribers behind market leader and sole rival network operator Oman Telecommunications (Omantel). At the end of 2011 Nawras had a total of 1.96 million wireless customers, corresponding to a 45.9% share of the market, according to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database.