Page 125 - SAMENA Trends - June-July 2025

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

TRA, Oman Advances Rural Telecom Services with Fiber Optic Rollout

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has Oman. This move supports the goals of Oman Vision 2040, which
successfully completed the first phase of a nationwide initiative targets a digitally advanced and sustainable economy. The shift
to enhance telecom services in underserved areas. The joint to fiber optics in rural areas is expected to significantly improve
initiative, involving the government, TRA, and licensed operators, network reliability, opening up new opportunities for social and
aims to improve service quality in regions with infrastructure economic development. It also empowers SMEs by enabling
challenges by shifting from satellite to fibre optic technology. them to offer services in network maintenance, connectivity, and
The project utilises cost savings from a deferred royalty rate project management, while creating both direct and indirect job
increase to upgrade connections for several telecom towers, opportunities. The initiative is part of a broader national effort
improving stability and performance. Omar bin Abdullah al Qatabi, to develop an inclusive digital infrastructure, paving the way
Vice President of the Telecommunications Regulatory Sector at for emerging technologies such as AI, cloud computing, digital
TRA, stated that the initiative aligns with the Authority’s mission government services, e-commerce, and e-learning to benefit all
to expand access to cutting-edge telecommunications across sectors of society.

Vocus Wins Final Approval to Acquire TPG Telecom’s Fiber and Fixed Assets

Vocus Group has secured the final regulatory approval from
Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) to complete
its A$5.25 billion (US$3.42 billion) acquisition of TPG Telecom’s
enterprise, government and wholesale fixed line and fiber
infrastructure, first agreed in October 2024. The deal, cleared
by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in
March, positions Vocus as one of the country’s largest owners of
underground fiber, enabling it to connect nearly 20,000 buildings
nationwide. Completion of this transaction now appears imminent.
When finalized, Vocus will operate more than 50,000 km of fiber,
comprising metropolitan, inter capital and international subsea
cables, including TPG’s PPC 1 system from Sydney to Guam,
alongside over 14,700 km of offshore links. It also gains a large
enterprise, government and wholesale (EGW) business segment.
TPG retains its consumer facing operations: its mobile network
(Vodafone Australia), consumer broadband and SME fixed line
services. Under the agreement, Vocus will provide TPG with of approximately A$4.65–4.75 billion after separation costs,
transmission and wholesale fiber access via a long term strategic allowing it to simplify its business, reduce debt, and focus on
partnership. From TPG’s perspective, the sale brings net proceeds mobile and consumer broadband.

US FCC Regains Spectrum Auction Authority

US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair Brendan encourage innovation and expand high-speed connections to more
Carr praised the passing of a bill restoring the agency’s authority to Americans.” In a statement issued by the Competitive Carriers
conduct wireless spectrum auctions, which he said could unlock Association (CCA), its president and CEO Tim Donovan also
airwaves for several years, and boost the nation’s economy and thanked congress for the move and for “establishing blueprints
security. President Donald Trump’s so-called One Big Beautiful Bill for future spectrum auctions”. “This long overdue action will help
was passed by a Republican majority on 3 July in the House of meet consumer demand, remove obstacles to US global leadership
Representatives after the Senate’s version was finalized 1 July. The and is essential to closing the digital divide for rural America.”
president is expected to sign the bill into law 4 July. Carr stated the FCC commissioners will vote on auctioning off spectrum licenses
bill establishes “a robust pipeline of [800 MHz] spectrum for years for advanced wireless services in their next monthly meeting,
to come”. “I want to extend my congratulations to President Trump scheduled to take place on 24 July. Carr will also ask the FCC to
and congressional Republicans on securing this big win for the vote on accelerating a transition from copper lines to high-speed
country.” “Restoring US leadership in wireless is key to the nation’s networks and revise the agency’s pole attachment rules.
economic and national security interests.” “This will create jobs,

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