The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Oman has finalised the procedures for the licensing of a third national telecoms operator, with the aim of improving the market’s competitive environment, Gulf News cites a statement from the watchdog as saying. Alongside this, the regulator issued a decision urging existing service providers to improve the quality and speed of their networks and bring down prices, following a rise in complaints from consumers in recent weeks. The TRA also directed operators to conduct a network coverage survey of the country and to provide it with an operating plan for the next three years.
TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database notes that Oman is home to two fixed telephony and mobile network operators, majority state-owned Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) and Ooredoo Oman, in which Qatari incumbent Ooredoo holds a 55% stake. In addition, two MVNOs – FRiENDi mobile and Renna Mobile – are active in the wireless sector, while Awasr Oman is the latest company to enter the fixed broadband market, providing services over the fibre-optic network of state-owned infrastructure firm Oman Broadband Company (OBC).