Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 02 | Page 41

COUNTRY FOCUS: OMAN I n early November Muscat hosted the 7th Edition of FTTH Council MENA Conference, under the patronage of HE Dr. Ahmed Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications, Oman. Supported by Oman Broadband Company (OBC) as Host Partner; and Omantel, Ericsson & Prysmian Group as Gold Sponsors, the event was held under the theme “FTTH, The Edge of a Brighter Tomorrow” and witnessed the presence of The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) & the Information Technology Authority (ITA), among other leading representatives of the ICT industry. “The adoption of FTTH technology resulting in high-speed Internet services as a result of high speed connection networks can be realised through well-developed infrastructures & national broadband strategies. In line with these requirements, the FTTH Council MENA recognises Oman as a significant market for fibre to home and businesses,” noted Dr. Suleiman Al-Hedaithy, Chairman of FTTH Council MENA. Oman Broadband Company is focused on making broadband more affordable and expanding coverage of its existing fibre optic network to a further 130,000 homes and business in Muscat capital area by www.intelligentcio.com THE NEW FIBRE BACKBONE NETWORK AT MUSCAT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IS CAPABLE OF SUPPORTING THE LATEST 40GBE STANDARD AND CAN EVEN SUPPORT 100GBE CONNECTIVITY REQUIREMENTS the end of 2016, said Dr. Suleiman at the conference. The Omani government’s interest in the country’s broadband sector is indicated by its approval of the new national broadband strategy in 2013 and support in providing wider communication services at different governorates by 2020. It is estimated that around 90% of the Governorate of Muscat and 35% of the other governorates outside Muscat will be covered by optic fibre, satellites & wire communications by 2020 and every building & village across INTELLIGENTCIO 41