NEWS

OMAN

Majority government-owned telecommunication services provider Omantel has launched a new subsidiary to support the roll-out of a nationwide Internet of Things( IoT) network, embodying technologies that provide the groundwork for the establishment of, among other things, smart cities, smart homes, intelligent transportation and smart grids of the future. Internet of Things LLC is a partnership between Omantel( 55 %) and SIGFOX( 45 %), a provider of communications services for the Internet of Things( IoT). Under the partnership, first unveiled in April this year, both companies have pledged to provide IoT network coverage extending to around 85 % of the Sultanate’ s population by end-2017.

Tech pundits have characterised IoT as a“ game-changer” that will assimilate all kinds of“ things” into the world of the Internet. IoT connects appliances, machines and devices over the Internet, letting them gather data, communicate with each other and transmit data over wired or wireless networks. This data can be suitably leveraged to, say, enhance energy efficiency, improve productivity, lower costs and generally contribute to the creation of‘ smart’ environments.

For example, IoT-enabled homes, offices or warehouses can be remotely monitored from the standpoints of energy efficiency, security, and so on. The same principle can be applied to traffic signals, road networks, transport systems, logistics, and so on— systems and services that can be monitored and remotely controlled from the vantage point of one’ s own smartphone or a PDA or computer.

Ian Dench joins the company from the Ooredoo Group, where he served as Group Chief Commercial Officer. With over 25 years of experience in leading telecommunications companies from around the world, he will continue to grow Ooredoo’ s established success.

He has worked in telecommunications companies across Europe, Asia & Middle East. Prior to joining Ooredoo he was the Head of Sales & Marketing operations for Batelco. He also held various senior leadership positions with O2 & British Telecom.

Ian joined Ooredoo Qatar operations in 2006 as Executive Director, Corporate & VIP Accounts. In 2012 he was appointed as the Chief Marketing Officer. He was a key member of the Ooredoo Qatar leadership team and had significantly contributed in building Ooredoo’ s market share in Qatar through developing and maintaining strong product and service portfolios.

Ian is a Member of the Board of Indosat Ooredoo, also ICT Company NavLink and an advisory board member for the Asia Pacific Internet Group.

As CEO of Ooredoo, Ian will lead the company through the next phase of network enhancements and the digital evolution of products and services to customers across Oman.

12 INTELLIGENTCIO www. intelligentcio. com