Oman has made significant strides in developing its telecommunications infrastructure. The country has a well-established network, with both fixed-line and mobile services widely available.
Omantel and Ooredoo Oman have been the major players in providing these services but the introduction of Vodafone into the market has created an even healthier competition in which the end-users are the winners.
Oman has experienced population growth in recent years, with a demographic shift towards a younger population. This growing populace has resulted in increased demand for telecommunications services, especially mobile data, internet connectivity, and digital services.
As the population grows, so does the need for connectivity. More people are seeking reliable and high-speed internet access for various purposes, including education, business, entertainment, and communication.
With the proliferation of smartphones and mobile devices, there's a heightened demand for mobile data services. The younger demographic, in particular, relies heavily on mobile connectivity for communication and accessing digital content.
The changing consumer behaviour, driven by convenience and accessibility, is leading to a surge in e-commerce and online services. This trend requires robust and secure telecommunications infrastructure to support online transactions and digital interactions. The global shift towards 5G technology is also relevant in Oman.
The implementation of 5G networks can significantly enhance connectivity, provide faster speeds, and support new technologies like IoT (Internet of Things) and AI-driven applications.
Omantel, received the Lead Award namely SAMENA Telecom Award for Best 5G Adoption in Dubai. Recognised for rapidly expanding the 5G network since its 2019 launch, Omantel now handles over 68.18 per cent of wireless traffic and 88.03 per cent of fixed wireless access traffic in Oman.
CEO Talal Al Mamari highlighted partnerships driving this growth and their role in Oman Vision 2040. Omantel's robust ecosystem spans networks, data centres, cloud computing, and aims for digital transformation.
Collaborations with various sectors include launching innovative smart services like port management. Omantel's innovation, focused on subscriber experience and future technologies, positions it as a regional and international telecom leader, contributing to Oman's digital aspirations.
Omantel Innovation Labs hosted Cohort 2 Demo Day, showcasing nine startups from diverse programmes, including the Omantel Accelerator.
These startups presented innovations spanning social commerce, drone management, smart retail tech, and more. The event aimed to foster connections, accelerate startup growth, and exemplify Omantel's commitment to nurturing Oman's entrepreneurial landscape. Additionally, Omantel supports entrepreneurship via sponsorships like the North Al Batinah Entrepreneurship Award, emphasizing SME development and innovative solutions for businesses in Oman's telecommunications sector.
Omantel awarded over RO 3 million in contracts to 17 SMEs, fostering collaboration with the SME Development Authority. It stands as a leading telecom company, investing in advanced technologies like AI and cloud solutions. Their Sehati programme promotes healthy lifestyles via Apple Watch activities, rewarding users with Makasib points.
Omantel also hosted a successful Game Development Bootcamp, empowering local talent.
Additionally, a strategic partnership with Visit Oman allows Omantel's Makasib loyalty points to be redeemed for travel experiences, supporting local SMEs and enhancing customer rewards.
Omantel emphasises its commitment to customer benefits through partnerships like Visit Oman, integrating Makasib points to offer rewards and support local SMEs. The company also prioritizes training programmes like 'Generation Z,' aimed at developing young talents for future leadership roles.
Notably, 52 trainees graduated, showcasing Omantel's commitment to nurturing local talent. The company's recent triumphs at the Global Carrier Community Awards highlight its leadership in the telecom industry.
Sohail Qadir, CEO of Zain Omantel International, received recognition for his influential role, while Huda Al Ghabshi was lauded as the first Middle Eastern woman to win the 'Telecom and Tech Woman of the Year' award. Omantel's prowess as a subsea cable operator was also acknowledged.
Furthermore, Omantel's collaboration with National University of Science and Technology (NUST) showcases its commitment to digitalising educational institutions. The implementation of an integrated digital solution aims to streamline operations and enhance connectivity between students, professors, and parents. Omantel's technology-driven approach aims to optimise resources, improve decision-making, and ensure a seamless learning experience for students.
Additionally, Omantel's role as the host of the Global Carrier Community Meeting (GCCM) further cements its position as a key wholesale provider. The event serves as a platform for networking among global telecom professionals, showcasing Omantel's strong partnerships and its focus on knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Overall, Omantel's efforts span various facets, including technological innovation, talent development, industry recognition, and fostering partnerships to drive digital transformation.
Their commitment aligns with Oman Vision 2040, emphasising investment in emerging technologies and providing cutting-edge solutions across multiple sectors.
Vodafone Oman stands as a trailblazer in Oman's telecommunications sphere, spearheading the innovation and advancement of the country's connectivity through its pioneering 5G Next network.
Departing from conventional practices, Vodafone's strategic move involves establishing a greenfield 5G network from scratch, positioning itself as a visionary in the industry and reshaping Oman's telecom landscape.
The company's approach mirrors the success stories of global greenfield operators like Rakuten Mobile in Japan and Jio in India, showcasing the transformative power of starting anew.
Unburdened by legacy infrastructure, Vodafone Oman swiftly integrates cutting-edge technologies like AI, cloud computing, and IoT into its network architecture. This deployment strategy aligns with the demands of the 4th Industrial Revolution, focusing on future-proofing networks for the digital era.
Vodafone Oman's journey towards its 5G Next network has been marked by significant milestones.
The company's commitment to a virtualised and cloud-based infrastructure places Oman at the forefront of digital transformation. Notably, the network's energy-efficient design minimizes its carbon footprint, reflecting Vodafone Oman's dedication to sustainability and responsible business practices.
Central to Vodafone Oman's success is its recent milestone achievement of conducting the first Voice and Data sessions over 5G Standalone New Radio in Oman. This achievement emphasizes the company's technical expertise and unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of 5G technology.
The 5G Next network revolutionises user experience by providing unprecedented speeds, lower latency, and efficient data usage without speed caps. Vodafone Oman's comprehensive coverage, utilising innovative 5G radio frequencies, ensures uninterrupted connectivity across diverse environments, setting new standards in Oman's telecom sector.
Furthermore, Vodafone Oman's influence extends beyond its network development. It reflects the broader trends shaping the evolution of global telecommunications through its commitment to innovation and agility.
Notably, the rising trends in 5G telecommunications encompass various domains, including edge computing, industry-specific solutions, private networks, AI integration, AR/VR experiences, smart cities, network slicing, eMBB capabilities, collaborative ecosystems, and global rollout.
These trends highlight the transformative potential of 5G technology across industries, societies, and economies worldwide.
By embracing sustainability, technical excellence, and user-centric design, Vodafone Oman's 5G Next network reshapes Oman's digital landscape. Its commitment to innovation and pioneering spirit propels the nation toward unparalleled connectivity and limitless possibilities.
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