08 January 2020

Ooredoo have recently rolled out 5G operational trials, demonstrations and experience zones at stores in Muscat and Salalah (pictured)

Oman’s Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA) has granted telecom operators Omantel and Ooredoo the right to use a 100MHz 5G spectrum, which will offer endless opportunities for upgrading their services. 

Both firms will construct and install 4,400 stations in the Sultanate to operate 5G technology in the next five years, including 1,000 stations in the year 2019-2020. 

To enable the effective roll-out of 5G services and encourage investment in the sector, the Omantel and Ooredoo will be exempted from the annual frequency usage fees for 12 months. 

TRA also announced details of Oman’s 5G roadmap, which will contribute to the research and development in crucial sectors, including education, health and logistics. 

The announcement was made at the special 5G Roadmap event organised by TRA, which discussed the planned rollout, legislative developments as well as the readiness of operators to launch the super-speed network commercially. 

“Working with the TRA and other government and private sector entities to deliver 5G, we’ll be taking the Sultanates technology to the next level,” said Ian Dench, chief executive officer at Ooredoo. He added that his company has been preparing for the transition to 5G wireless technology since 2017, recently rolling out operational trials, demonstrations and experience zones at stores in Muscat and Salalah.