Omani telecoms operator Nawras has announced the activation of its third 3.5G data carrier across its upgraded coverage area, increasing the capacity and speed of its mobile broadband service by sending more data across a wider spectrum in a shorter time. The company, which is majority owned by Qatar’s Ooredoo, said the new data carrier on the 900MHz frequency band will give customers greater indoor coverage for faster broadband data download speeds, as well as smoother internet browsing. ‘This is another big step forward in our on-going ‘Network Turbocharging’ programme which is already giving customers a vastly improved broadband internet service,’ commented Nawras CEO Ross Cormack, adding: ‘The new data carrier will now enable our signals to reach further inside buildings from Al Bustan to Barka. This provides a noticeable difference for all customers using 3G+ broadband services in this turbocharged area. We are extremely grateful to the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority for making this development possible.’
Nawras has recently embarked on the second stage of its ‘Network Turbocharging’ programme, under which all of its base stations across the Sultanate will be replaced with the latest technology, including 3.5G. By the end of 2014 the company plans to deliver faster 3G services to more than 97% of the population. The programme also includes the rollout of LTE services, which were launched on a commercial basis in February and are currently available in greater Muscat.