Oman (country regulation overview)

The competitive landscape in the Omani telecoms market changed significantly in 2009 with the launch of three new mobile resellers to compete with the two existing mobile players. In addition, one fixed-line operator and two mobile resellers are expected to launch their services in 2010.

Alongside fixed and mobile telephony services, the regulator, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), is also focusing on encouraging competition in the broadband market. To this effect, in October 2009 the TRA initiated the process of issuing universal service licenses to increase broadband penetration in remote areas of the country. The TRA has allocated spectrum in the 2.3GHz band to the incumbent and is also planning to issue new broadband wireless access (BWA) licenses in the 3.4GHz band in 2010 to enhance wireless broadband services.

The new entrants are expected to intensify competition in the telecoms market, leading to a likely improvement in services and reduction in tariffs for end users.