Telecoms operators are improving the customer experience in Oman
Oman’s telecoms market is highly progressive and its mobile sector in particular is well established. This highly competitive market however means the operators are facing a number challenges which are having an impact upon overall profitability.
The mobile market in Oman has become saturated with high penetration and many multiple subscriptions. While this is leading to a boost in mobile broadband growth at the same time the various OTT providers have disrupted the market. This has caused a decline in revenue from streams such as SMS as well as voice for the traditional operators. To combat this trend, the major operators in Oman are focusing on improving the customer experience through both fixed and mobile network upgrades.
The two major mobile operators (Oman Mobile, Ooredoo Oman) are investing huge amounts in expanding and improving upon mobile networks in order to keep up with the growing demand for data. Data services already account for around half of all Ooredoo Oman’s mobile revenues, for example, and this is expected to continue rising.
The development of highspeed fixed broadband services is well underway in Oman. As part of it National Broadband Strategy, Oman Broadband Company (OBC) has enabled access to fibre networks for around 60,000 residential and commercial businesses around Muscat. By 2040 it hopes to have all homes and businesses connected to its national broadband infrastructure. In 2016 a new broadband operator, AwasrOman, launched in Muscat using the OBC fibre network.
Key telecom parameters 2013; 2016
Sector | 2013 | 2016
Subscribers to telecoms services (million): (e)
Fixed broadband | 0.09 | 0.28
Fixedline telephony | 0.35 | 0.48
Mobile phone | 5.62 | 6.99
Key developments:
Oman Broadband Company (OBC) is currently rolling our fibrenetworks in and around Muscat.
By the end of 2016 Ooredoo Oman expected to have over 100,000 households with access to its FttH network.
Microwave backhauling is being trialled in Oman in 2016.
Integrated Telecommunications Oman (TeO) acquired the MVNO, Renna, in mid2016.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has approved the Access and Interconnection (A&I) Regulation which aims to make market entry easier for new players in order to promote competition.
Companies covered in this report include:
Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel); Oman Mobile; Ooredoo Oman; Oman Broadband Company (OBC); FRiENDi, Majan Telecom (Renna); Integrated Telecommunications Oman (TeO); AwasrOman
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