Omantel embarks on phase II of LTE network rollout

Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel), the Sultanate’s incumbent telecoms operator, has launched the second phase of its Long Term Evolution (LTE) network deployment, following approval from the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) to allocate 1800MHz spectrum for 4G LTE use. As part of the network rollout, Omantel has extended coverage to new areas in different parts of the country, while new sites with LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) technology have been added at Sultan Qaboos University Campus, Al Mawaleh, Al Khaudh, Al Khuwair, Al Ghubrah North, Madinat Sultan Qaboos, Al Sarooj, Al Azaiba, Wadi Kabir and Ruwi in Muscat Governorate, Sohar City in North Al Batinah Governorate, Sur in North Al Sharqiya Governorate, Nizwa in Al Dhakliya Governorate and Duqm in Al Wusta Governorate. Commenting on Omantel’s LTE network enhancements, Saleem Abdullatiff, general manager of marketing at the firm’s Consumer Business Unit, said: ‘The second phase of our LTE 4G is not only about expansion of coverage, it has as well other enhancements such as the launch of new 4G and 3.5G multi-mode modem that works on our 4G LTE and 3.5G networks which means that soon our valued customers will be able to use seamless mobile broadband on the go benefitting from the largest mobile broadband network and widest coverage in the Sultanate.’ As noted in TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database, Omantel announced the commercial launch of a 2300MHz Time Division Long Term Evolution (TD-LTE) mobile broadband network in July 2012.