3rd telecom operator to be named early 2019

MUSCAT: The third mobile communication operator in the Sultanate will be announced in early 2019, said Yousef bin Abdullah al Balushi, Deputy CEO for Spectrum Management Affairs, Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA). The licensing process for the third operator (local partners) is in the final stages, he said during a draw organised by TRA for awarding telecom frequencies for the domain 3,400-3,700 megahertz. Each mobile operator will get 100 megahertz of frequency, which they can use for offering 5G telecom services in the country. As per TRA rules and regulation, Omantel was allocated frequency from 3,400 to 3,500, Ooredoo from 3,500 to 3,600 and the third operator from 3,600 to 3,700 through the draw. Meanwhile, he said all domains and frequencies for the third operator will be granted the same way as Omantel and Ooredoo. The objective of the process is to create a competitive atmosphere to provide better services at reasonable rates. He said TRA will allocate the frequency domain 3,400-3,700 megahertz after coordination with the Ministry of Finance. He said 5G services will ensure the transfer of data at “super speed” and reduce the response time. It will provide enough capacity for a large number of devices to be connected to the internet. It will enhance customer experience and promote new initiatives such as smart cities and internet of things. He said the TRA was deeply interested in 5G technology and closely followed studies and experiences in different parts of the world. “TRA has set up a national team for 5G mobile communication. The team comprises members from Ministry of Transport and Communications, Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Regional Municipalities, Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, Muscat Municipality, Dhofar Municipality and Suhar Municipality in addition to mobile service operators in the Sultanate,” he said. The team seeks to develop a road map to introduce 5G services in the country before 2020 in addition to preparing a comprehensive plan for the systems. — ONA It is making efforts to enhance joint cooperation among the different stakeholders to ensure the success of 5G technologies in Oman at the earliest.