The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Oman has finalised the procedures to award the country’s third mobile network operator (MNO) licence and will release the bidding documents on 15 November. In a statement released via social media, the TRA revealed that its executive management has approved all the conditions and procedures for the award of the new concession, a move which is aimed at improving the market’s competitive environment. Earlier this month, the regulator issued a decision urging existing service providers to improve the quality and speed of their networks and bring down prices, following a rise in complaints from consumers.
TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database notes that Oman is home to two fixed telephony and mobile network operators, majority state-owned Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) and Ooredoo Oman, in which Qatari incumbent Ooredoo holds a 55% stake. In addition, two MVNOs – FRiENDi mobile and Renna Mobile – are active in the wireless sector, while Awasr Oman is the latest company to enter the fixed broadband market, providing services over the fibre-optic network of state-owned infrastructure firm Oman Broadband Company (OBC).