Page 34 - SAMENA Trends - June-July 2025

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Omantel is taking measurable steps to reshape its environmental emissions for 2024 compared to 2023, avoiding a projected 10.96
impact. “Our responsibility extends beyond digital infrastructure. It percent increase. By 2026, emissions are expected to remain just
includes contributing to a more sustainable future for Oman,” said 5.15 percent above 2023 levels, far below the business-as-usual
Lujaina Saif Al Kharusi, Vice President Governance, Regulatory projection of nearly 31 percent. These results underscore the
Affairs and Compliance at Omantel “This target reflects both our effectiveness of Omantel’s approach. Omantel also stands among
ambition and the action we are taking to achieve it.” A major step the first telecom operators in the region to adopt renewable energy
in this journey was reached in 2024, when Omantel redeemed certificates at this scale. This signals both technical capability
40,000 International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) and a serious commitment to operational sustainability. “Setting
sourced from the Dhofar Wind IPP through Nama Power and goals is important, but following through on them is what defines
Water Procurement (Nama PWP). This clean electricity, equivalent leadership,” said Lujaina Al Kharusi. “Integrating wind power into
to 40,000 MWh, led to a 12.38 percent reduction in the company’s our energy portfolio is just one example of how we are aligning
market-based Scope 2 emissions and prevented more than 88,000 climate goals with real action.” By embedding sustainability into
tonnes of CO equivalent from entering the atmosphere. Without its strategy, Omantel is contributing to Oman’s national Net Zero
2
intervention, emissions would have risen alongside business roadmap and helping shape a future where connectivity and
growth. Instead, Omantel achieved a 2.77 percent decrease in total climate responsibility move forward together.

Omantel Successfully Trials 5G Advanced Passive IoT Technology

Reinforcing its leadership in 5G technologies, Omantel has and others. The relationship between RedCap and Passive IoT
successfully completed a lab trial of self-operating Passive Internet technologies reflects an integrated approach toward enabling a
of Things (IoT) technology. Unlike conventional IoT devices that comprehensive digital environment that supports diverse types
rely on batteries, Passive IoT devices operate using ambient energy of smart devices, whether requiring direct connectivity, like
sources. This trial marks a significant step toward providing low- RedCap devices, or operating passively using ambient energy, like
energy, high-efficiency technology solutions aligned with global Passive IoT. Omantel has succeeded, through the integration of
trends in adopting sustainable and eco-friendly digital innovations. its operations, processes, and extensive expertise in the field of
This achievement builds on Omantel’s earlier trial of RedCap communications and digital technology, in establishing its position
technology last year—part of advanced 5G features—designed to as a leading telecommunications company within the Sultanate of
enable effective connectivity for low-capability devices, thereby Oman and beyond. The company's innovative approaches have
improving internet efficiency and expanding the scope of IoT contributed to providing state-of-the-art solutions to different
applications. Commenting on the successful trial, Eng. Saleem bin consumer and business sectors. The company aims to deliver an
Ahmed Abdullatiff, Vice President Business Unit at Omantel, said: unparalleled, exceptional experience to its customers and strives
“This success reaffirms Omantel’s commitment to leading digital to always exceed their expectations. To achieve the objectives
transformation by adopting the latest global technologies that of Oman Vision 2040, Omantel invests in emerging technologies
support the development of a future-ready digital infrastructure. and provides cutting-edge ICT solutions, such as cloud solutions,
By enabling efficient and reliable solutions such as Passive AI, smart solutions, cybersecurity, and much more, in addition to
IoT, we contribute to building a technology-enabled society and harnessing its technological capabilities to enhance innovation
strengthening the Sultanate of Oman’s position as a regional hub for and leadership in new and advanced technologies.
innovation. We remain dedicated to supporting national objectives
and addressing the evolving needs of individuals and businesses
across the Sultanate.” Passive IoT is considered a promising future
application of 5G networks, offering numerous opportunities for
sectors such as logistics, healthcare, and smart agriculture. Unlike
traditional IoT devices, Passive IoT tags do not require battery
power, making them easier to install, minimizing maintenance
and replacements, and ensuring longer operational lifespans.
The trial demonstrated the effectiveness of Passive IoT over
Omantel’s 5G network, proving its ability to successfully connect
over distances of up to 200 meters. The technology is expected to
bring a qualitative shift in business models across various sectors
by creating new revenue streams and accelerating their digital
transformation agendas. Omantel’s future 5G-powered Passive
IoT network will be capable of supporting millions of passive
sensors across sectors such as retail, logistics, manufacturing,

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