Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 84 | Page 14

NEWS

Omantel deploys Ciena 800G technology to connect data centres , submarine cable landing stations and telecom exchanges

Samy Al Ghassany , Chief Operating Officer , Omantel

Oman Telecommunications Company

( Omantel ), Oman ’ s first and integrated telecommunications services provider , has deployed Ciena WaveLogic 5 Extreme 800G coherent optical technology to connect data centres , submarine cable landing stations and telecom exchanges in various regions across the Sultanate in order to accommodate the rapid increase in network traffic .
Samy Al Ghassany , Chief Operating Officer , Omantel , said : “ Amidst the fast digital transformation in Oman , in line with the Sultanate ’ s Vision 2040 goals , we are witnessing a surge in bandwidth demand . Ciena ’ s 800G technology will help pave the way for enhanced high-speed network capabilities for our clients across the Sultanate on various domains like 5G , wholesale , cloud , ICT and IoT services . As Omantel prepares its network to handle the next generation of connectivity , we actively collaborate with partners , like Ciena , to jointly architect a scalable and programmable network foundation so we can set the scene for a more digitally connected society .”
Jamie Jefferies , Vice President and General Manager , International , Ciena , added : “ Ciena ’ s 800G technology not only helps Omantel prepare for the explosion of data that will come from 5G , but also drives greater network economics , reach and power efficiency .”

Ericsson and Omantel launch entrepreneurship programme to support innovators and entrepreneurs

Omantel has signed a memorandum of understanding ( MoU ) with Ericsson to foster thought leadership and technology innovation initiatives through the Omantel Innovation Labs .

Announced in July 2021 , the Omantel Innovation Labs leverages Omantel ’ s expertise , partnerships , reach , and access to technology to contribute to Oman ’ s Vision 2040 and promote innovation and entrepreneurship in new and emerging technologies .
Using the Omantel Innovation Labs as a platform , Ericsson ’ s regional innovation hub , local , regional , and international experts will provide thought-leadership to start-ups and innovators in Oman . Ericsson and Omantel will also host multiple activities to bring together innovators to develop technology solutions in line with Oman Vision 2040 .
Talal Said Al Mamari , Chief Executive Officer , Omantel said : “ We are committed to equipping Omani entrepreneurs with the right tools to develop meaningful solutions and are delighted to be partnering with Ericsson to add more value to the local startup ecosystem . We believe that the collaboration with Ericsson will open new doors to technology innovators and entrepreneurs across the Sultanate and will be focusing on several technology areas to drive the value of 5G and innovation in the country and contribute to Oman Vision 2040 .”
Abdullah Al-Balushi , Country Manager , Ericsson Oman , said : “ Our collaboration with Omantel will support in accelerating their Digital Transformation journey .”
14 INTELLIGENTCIO MIDDLE EAST www . intelligentcio . com