Page 35 - SAMENA Trends - June-July 2025

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Omantel and FiberHome Launch Joint R&D Center to Pioneer Next-
Generation Network Solutions

As part of its broader research and development strategy, Omantel the development and deployment of intelligent solutions. As
has partnered with FiberHome, a leading Chinese technology part of the collaboration, the two companies have successfully
provider, to establish a joint research and development center conducted a live trial of 50GPON technology, achieving speeds
dedicated to advancing intelligent solutions in next-generation of up to 50 gigabits per second—ten times faster than current
fiber networks and telecommunications technologies. This fiber technologies. The trial highlights the potential for delivering
strategic collaboration supports Omantel’s vision to bridge ultra-high-speed connectivity to support edge computing,
industrial expertise with academic research, fostering a dynamic artificial intelligence, smart cities, and Industry 4.0 applications,
ecosystem for innovation and technology entrepreneurship in cornerstones of the digital economy. The center will focus on
Oman. The initiative plays a vital role in driving the nation’s digital developing intelligent solutions for the operation and maintenance
transformation and enabling a knowledge-based economy. of telecom networks, emphasizing the creation of functional
Commenting on the partnership, Talal Al Mamari, CEO of Omantel, prototypes ready for real-world deployment in local and regional
said: “Omantel continues to expand its investments in R&D across markets. This opens new horizons for innovation and customizing
the technology and digital sectors, recognizing the importance technologies to meet the evolving demands of the next digital
of staying ahead in a fast-changing digital landscape. We are phase. This partnership marks a significant step in Omantel’s
committed to embracing global innovation and developing future- innovation roadmap, placing advanced technology at the heart
ready solutions that fuel our sustainable growth and meet the of economic and social development. It reinforces Omantel’s
evolving needs of our customers. This joint center is a testament leadership in digital transformation and its role in delivering
to that commitment. It will serve as a high-tech platform to design sustainable, forward-thinking solutions that empower industries
and test forward-looking solutions for Oman and the wider region. across the Sultanate.
Partnering with a global leader like FiberHome enhances our
capabilities to build smarter, more efficient networks and deliver
commercially viable technologies. We are confident this initiative
will strengthen our position both regionally and globally.” Joe Cai,
Vice President of FiberHome, said: “We are proud to join forces
with Omantel in launching this innovation center, which marks a
new milestone in FiberHome’s long-term engagement with Oman
and the Middle East. The lab will leverage our global R&D strength
to develop advanced smart network solutions, including next-
generation technologies like 50GPON and AI-powered network
management. This partnership also promotes talent development
and deeper collaboration between academia and industry, both
essential pillars for sustainable digital growth.” The center will
serve as an integrated platform, bringing together academic
insight and real-world expertise. It will link Chinese institutions
such as Wuhan University and FiberHome’s research hubs with
Omantel’s operational capabilities and local partners to accelerate

Omantel and du Switch on Oman Emirates Gateway Subsea Cable

Omentel and UAE-based du announced that they have activated Benkirane, chief commercial officer at du, said the OEG boosts
the Oman Emirates Gateway (OEG), a 275-km fiber-optic subsea the operational efficiency of existing networks and systems while
cable system that will boost connectivity between the UAE and enhancing speed, expanding connectivity, and elevating customer
Oman. While the UAE and Oman are already connected via subsea experiences. “This project will be a cornerstone for hyperscalers,
and terrestrial fiber cables, the OEG – the plans for which were content providers, and international carriers, empowering them to
first revealed in 2023 – creates an express route between the enhance their presence in the UAE and Oman, and optimize their
two countries that adds more resiliency and reliability to those operational capability to meet the growing demands of the digital
routes. It also connects three international data centers in both era,” he said in a joint statement. Omantel chief technology and
countries: datamena DX1 in Dubai, Equinix MC1 in Barka and digital officer Samy Al Ghassany added that the OEG “goes beyond
Equinix SN1 in Salalah Oman. As such, du and Omentel said mere connectivity – it propels the entire region towards innovation,
this will provide faster cloud access and facilitate international growth, and global competitiveness.”
business growth in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Karim

35 JUNE-JULY 2025