Oman ICT

Efforts to expand the reach of broadband internet to encompass the entire country are expected to help Oman meet the needs of its growing economy, but the sheer size of the country and the scope of laying out necessary infrastructure present significant challenges.

With a reduction in mobile tariffs forthcoming, Omani telecoms companies are looking for new ways to attract customers by offering more advanced services at lower rates. The Ministerial Committee of the GCC Council announced in early February that tariffs on calls made to GCC countries while roaming in the region would be reduced.

Efforts to deepen the penetration of information and communications technology (ICT) in everyday life in Oman are gathering pace, with state-backed investments targeting improved and faster access to advanced applications. The government has been stepping up spending on ICT as part of its policy – formally launched in 2002 – of providing the private sector with the tools to expand and diversify as well as putting in place a state e-infrastructure to improve services provision to the public and promote the development of a knowledge-based economy.