As part of an initiative under the auspices of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), Ooredoo and Oman Broadband (OBB) have signed an agreement to connect remote regions with high-speed fixed broadband internet. Under the agreement, the parties will provide quality satellite bitstream to previously underserved areas in a number of governates across the Sultanate. The project is part of Oman’s Vision 2040, the gateway to becoming a developed country under His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, which aims to build a knowledge-based economy and society.

Ian Dench, Chief Executive Officer at Ooredoo Oman, said, “Transforming the digital landscape of Oman is our focus and we want customers across the country to be able to enjoy the internet with us. This agreement with the TRA and Oman Broadband will allow us to ramp up telecom services in rural areas, providing an environment for growth and a further boost to the economy.”

Omar bin Abdullah Al Qutbi, Senior Executive Manager of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority added, “Our mission is to work with partners in various sectors to achieve the collective objective of providing communication services to all regions in the Sultanate, eliminating the digital gap between urban and rural areas. With this latest agreement, together with Ooredoo and Oman Broadband, we aim to provide service to approximately 325 villages, though we hope to build on these efforts and eventually deliver such services throughout Oman.”

Bader bin Saud Al Zaidi, Acting Chief Executive Officer at Oman Broadband, also commented, “The signing of this partnership came as a result of the ongoing collaboration between Oman Broadband Company and the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority to achieve the objectives of the National Broadband Strategy, and to bridge the existing digital gap in the rural areas of the Sultanate. Oman Broadband will unlock the potential in these areas through the adaptation of the latest satellite technology using Ka Band Spectrum. We are delighted to see Ooredoo Oman as the first service provider contributing towards the success of this initiative and we hope to partner with the rest of Internet Service Providers in the sultanate to ensure that the beneficiaries obtain the freedom of choice through our open access network”.

As data experience leaders, Ooredoo has played a key role in supporting the government in achieving their digital transformation goals. The telecoms company continues to partner with organisations to develop the best solutions to enrich the digital lives of all. And through network, technological and solutions investment, Ooredoo helps to position the country as an active player in the global race towards digital innovation.