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Oman Telecommunications Report Q3 2009Product Type: Market Research ReportPublished by: Business Monitor International Published: August 2009 Product Code: R302-7569 Description Our latest update on Oman’s telecommunications market includes expanded market data sectionscovering the country’s fixed-line and internet sectors. In June 2009, Qatar Telecom (Qtel), the parentcompany of Oman’s second-largest mobile operator Nawras, announced that Nawras had finally receivedits licence to provide fixed voice and internet services in Oman. The 25-year concession, which Nawraswon in November 2008, allows Nawras to build the latest generation fibre-optic backbone and WiMAXwireless access networks across Oman. The operator will use its network to offer WiMAX-basedbroadband internet services, as well as voice telephony and international gateway services. Commercialservices are expected to be launched before the end of 2009.The anticipated launch of fixed-line and internet services by Nawras has led BMI to make severalimportant changes to Oman’s fixed-line and broadband subscriber forecasts. Our long-term fixed-lineforecast for the country anticipates an annual average growth rate of 2.4% over the next five years. However, although we forecast around 309,000 fixed-lines in service by the end of 2013, we remainsceptical as to whether fixed-line growth will be able to keep pace with the expanding population.Meanwhile, the latest regulatory data suggest that there were 32,447 broadband subscribers in Oman atthe end of 2008. This is equivalent to just 1.2% of the population. Broadband growth accelerated in 2008,with the development of ADSL infrastructure, the introduction of lower tariffs and a larger number of Wi-Fi hotspots all contributing to stronger growth. We expect the broadband market to receive an additionalboost from 2010 onwards once Nawras launches its WiMAX network and starts to compete against fixedlineincumbent Omantel. Although Nawras is expected to launch its network by the end of 2009, theeffects of this development are not expected to become apparent until the following year. Oman’s mobile market saw the arrival of new competition in May 2009, with the launch of commercialMVNO services by Majan Telecommunication. Majan will offer services in Oman under the Rennabrand identity. The company, which has a wholesale agreement in place to use incumbent operator OmanMobile’s network, will target ‘the untapped and underserved segments in the market’ with the aim ofsimplifying mobile tariffs, according to reports. The launch of Majan’s MVNO service came just a fewweeks after the launch of services by rival MVNO Friendi Mobile. Friendi previously announced plansto promote itself as a ‘niche player’ in the prepaid consumer market. Like Majan, Friendi will also workwith Oman Mobile to deliver its services. Oman’s position remains unchanged in BMI’s latest set of Business Environment Rankings for theMiddle East. This is in spite of a slightly higher Country Structure score which has boosted the overallscore received by Oman. Table of Contents
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