Entry of new telecom players driving Oman's digital growth

Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has witnessed a remarkable development in the telecommunications sector and a number of global companies have come, creating a positive competitive movement in the sector.

The entry of Vodafone Oman has contributed to the spread of fifth-generation networks that provide innovative digital solutions that contribute to improving the user experience and driving the digital transformation witnessed by the Sultanate of Oman.

Eng. Badr bin Saud Al-Zaidi, CEO of Vodafone Oman, spoke about the pioneering role played by the company in the Omani telecommunications sector, noting that Vodafone Oman's entry came as a result of a strategic partnership with Vodafone International, which is one of the world's leading companies in the field of fifth-generation technology and the Internet of Things, as its services extend to 29 markets around the world, especially in the European and African markets.

In a statement to Oman News Agency, he said: Vodafone Oman has invested heavily since the beginning of its operations in developing the infrastructure of the fifth generation network in the Sultanate of Oman, as its investments during the years 2022 and 2023 amounted to more than OMR130 million, with more than 10 percent of this investment allocated to developing the network infrastructure, which contributed to the growth of many small and medium-sized companies.

 He explained that the investment helped build an advanced network based on the latest technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing, which provides flexibility and connection speeds that are the highest in the Sultanate of Oman.

Eng. Badr Al-Zaidi pointed out that Vodafone Oman aims to cover 95 percent of populated areas by the end of 2024, after achieving 78 percent of fifth generation coverage last year, and this expansion ensures improving and enhancing digital transformation efforts.

The CEO of Vodafone Oman also pointed out that the company achieved a 174 percent growth in its operating revenues during the past two years, reflecting its ability to compete in the local market and provide digital solutions that meet the needs of subscribers effectively and efficiently.

 The CEO of Vodafone Oman stressed that the company is committed to supporting small and medium enterprises and contributing to the development of the national economy, by assigning a large portion of its contracts to these companies, and the Omanization rate in the company reached 95 percent, which confirms its commitment to employing national competencies.

The company also participated in many initiatives that aim to train and qualify Omani youth, whether through its internal programmes or in cooperation with Vodafone International; to develop their skills and enable them to benefit from opportunities in global markets.

He explained that one of the most prominent aspects that distinguishes Vodafone Oman is its commitment to environmental sustainability by seeking to reduce its carbon footprint by adopting operating systems that rely on highly efficient technologies to reduce energy consumption, noting that this trend comes as part of global efforts to achieve net zero by 2050, which makes Vodafone Oman one of the leading telecom companies in adopting sustainability as an essential part of its operations.

Regarding Vodafone Oman's vision for the future, Eng. Badr Al Zaidi stressed that the company seeks to provide advanced digital communications solutions that help enable individuals and companies to face the challenges of the changing market.

The company's operations are based on artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, which makes it a major strategic partner in Oman's journey towards digital transformation. Vodafone Oman also seeks to enable Omani companies to benefit from modern technologies and develop innovative solutions that support business growth and increase their flexibility.

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