ICT
From The Report: Oman 2017
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Driven by growth in consumer demand for data and improved connectivity, combined revenues from fixed-line telephony and mobile services in Oman reached OR906.19m ($2.4bn) in 2015, a 12.8% increase on the previous year. Infrastructure providers face considerable challenges in rolling out high-speed services to all areas of the country, while increased competition in the mobile market is creating a renewed focus on customer service and offerings tailored to specific niches in Omani society. While many trends in the country’s telecoms sector reflect developments in the industry region-wide, distinct characteristics in the sultanate’s own market include strict prohibition of voice-over-internet-protocol services such as Skype and Facetime, which limits the cannibalisation of call revenues seen in other countries. This chapter contains an interview with Said Abdullah Mandhari, CEO, Oman Broadband Company.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Growing pains: The local market shows ample room for continued expansion
OBG
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Consumer demand for data and improved connectivity is driving growth in both fixed-line and mobile services in Oman. Infrastructure providers face considerable challenges in rolling out high-speed services to all areas of the country, while increased competition in the mobile market is creating a renewed focus on customer service and offerings tailored to specific niches in Omani society. While many trends in the country’s telecoms sector reflect developments in the industry region-wide, there…

Interview

Net benefits: Said Abdullah Mandhari, CEO, Oman Broadband Company, on developments in digital and e-services
OBG
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Interview: Said Abdullah Mandhari What sort of economic multiplier effects do you expect to see from the implementation of the National Broadband Strategy? SAID ABDULLAH MANDHARI: We have already seen some positive impacts from the launch of the first portion of the network, and we expect to see many more. We have seen a solid reduction in the prices of fixed broadband services across the country and, more importantly, higher internet speeds have become available. Operators have announced packages…

Overview

Outside the box: The popularity of data services is driving an emphasis on more innovative approaches
OBG
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With growing numbers of internet subscriptions, both mobile and fixed, and a youthful population, Oman offers great promise for the development of a vibrant digital economy. The rapid spread of high-speed broadband through desktop computers, tablets and phones offers new and smarter ways to live, work and play, challenging government departments and businesses to better adapt the way they serve citizens and customers. There are also opportunities for educators and entrepreneurs to nurture talent…