COUNTRY FOCUS: OMAN
ON-SET OF OMAN’S
DRIVE FOR NEXTGENERATION
NETWORKING
For this month’s country focus, Intelligent
CIO examines Oman’s push to bring it’s
networking infrastructure in line with
increased end-user and consumer demands.
O
oredoo has announced the
signing of an agreement with the
Information Technology Authority
(ITA) to build and operate the Omani
government’s next generation high speed
network. Leveraging on Oman Broadband
Company’s fibre network, the NGN gigabit
speed and high capacity bandwidth will
deliver better public services by integrating
and connecting over 60 ministries under one
fast, reliable and secure platform, allowing for
greater efficiency and data-sharing.
Dr. Salim bin Sultan al Ruzaiqi, CEO of
the Information Technology Authority
(ITA), commented, “This agreement is a
breakthrough in elevating and improving
Oman’s Government Network (OGN), in line
with the e.oman strategy’s aim to adapt to
the rapid change in technology. Ensuring
maximum speeds, enhanced security solutions,
as well as cost effective integrated services will
ultimately improve the government e-services
provided to citizens.”
Greg Young, CEO of Ooredoo, also commented,
“Being chosen from a field of experienced
and expert telecoms companies to build the
backbone for Oman’s e-government strategy
is an honour and a testament to the drive
and ambition of Ooredoo, as we establish
ourselves as the government of Oman’s
telecommunications partner of choice. The
investment in this Next Generation High
Speed Network is a clear demonstration of
the country’s innovative and forward looking
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INTELLIGENTCIO
ICT strategy, which supports current needs
while preparing for the demands of the future.
By facilitating more efficient interaction
between local communities, businesses and
the government, Ooredoo is looking forward
to empowering people and transforming how
Oman does business through technology.”
To date, Ooredoo has invested over RO 124
million in network modernisation and currently
covers 99% of the Sultanate’s population.
In 2015 the company also witnessed the
completion of its 5,500 kilometre independent
nationwide fibre backbone, which has since
enabled it to offer cost-efficient and highspeed services across the length a