Omani incumbent Omantel must roll out rural services in a part of the country lacking coverage, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has ruled, reports Muscat Daily.
Since no investors have expressed interest in connecting the Batinah…
Omani incumbent Omantel must roll out rural services in a part of the country lacking coverage, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has ruled, reports Muscat Daily.
Since no investors have expressed interest in connecting the Batinah region, it will be Omantel’s duty to fulfil the requirements of the Universal Service Obligation (USO).
The government had been trying to interest investors in the project, which it had agreed to subsidise, since 2007.
TRA official Eng Nashiah Saud al Kharusi was quoted saying that public demand for broadband had spurred its decision to enforce Omantel to take responsibility for the initiative.
Kharusi said that the amount of the investment would depend on whether fixed or mobile technology was used.
Omantel CEO Dr Amer al Rawas was quoted confirming the order, adding that the company was awaiting a formal mandate for the “challenging” project.
Some 97% of Oman’s population has access to voice services, while around 50% have access to data services.
