Oman (country Regulation Overview)
The competitive landscape in the Omani telecoms market changed significantly in 2009 with the launch of three new mobile resellers to compete with the two existing mobile players. In addition, one fixed-line operator and two mobile resellers are expected to launch their services in 2010.
Alongside fixed and mobile telephony services, the regulator, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), is also focusing on encouraging competition in the broadband market. To this effect, in October 2009 the TRA initiated the process of issuing universal service licenses to increase broadband penetration in remote areas of the country. The TRA has allocated spectrum in the 2.3GHz band to the incumbent and is also planning to issue new broadband wireless access (BWA) licenses in the 3.4GHz band in 2010 to enhance wireless broadband services.
The new entrants are expected to intensify competition in the telecoms market, leading to a likely improvement in services and reduction in tariffs for end users.
Alongside fixed and mobile telephony services, the regulator, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), is also focusing on encouraging competition in the broadband market. To this effect, in October 2009 the TRA initiated the process of issuing universal service licenses to increase broadband penetration in remote areas of the country. The TRA has allocated spectrum in the 2.3GHz band to the incumbent and is also planning to issue new broadband wireless access (BWA) licenses in the 3.4GHz band in 2010 to enhance wireless broadband services.
The new entrants are expected to intensify competition in the telecoms market, leading to a likely improvement in services and reduction in tariffs for end users.
Overview
Ovum view
Fixed market overview
Internet market
VoIP
Mobile market overview
National regulatory authority
Competition authority
Key legislation and regulation
Act
Decisions
Current status of market analysis
Mobile licensing
Broadband wireless access
Mobile resellers (MVNOs)
Wireless local loop
Retail regulation
Services subject to regulation
Cost model for retail tariffs
Quality of service
Wholesale fixed regulation
Services subject to regulation
Number portability
Narrowband voice interconnection
Cost model for reference interconnection offer
Flat-rate Internet access call origination
Wholesale access
Wholesale broadband access
Local loop unbundling
Wholesale line rental
Transition to all-IP networks
Interconnection at international cable landing points
Leasing of dark fiber
Wholesale mobile regulation
Services subject to regulation
National roaming
Mobile number portability
Mobile termination charges
Competition cases
TRA’s determination on resale agreement dispute between Injaz and Nawras
Universal service
Universal service obligation
Appendix
Relevant markets (as defined in accounting separation position statement)
Ovum view
Fixed market overview
Internet market
VoIP
Mobile market overview
National regulatory authority
Competition authority
Key legislation and regulation
Act
Decisions
Current status of market analysis
Mobile licensing
Broadband wireless access
Mobile resellers (MVNOs)
Wireless local loop
Retail regulation
Services subject to regulation
Cost model for retail tariffs
Quality of service
Wholesale fixed regulation
Services subject to regulation
Number portability
Narrowband voice interconnection
Cost model for reference interconnection offer
Flat-rate Internet access call origination
Wholesale access
Wholesale broadband access
Local loop unbundling
Wholesale line rental
Transition to all-IP networks
Interconnection at international cable landing points
Leasing of dark fiber
Wholesale mobile regulation
Services subject to regulation
National roaming
Mobile number portability
Mobile termination charges
Competition cases
TRA’s determination on resale agreement dispute between Injaz and Nawras
Universal service
Universal service obligation
Appendix
Relevant markets (as defined in accounting separation position statement)
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Oman mobile market information (1Q10)
Table 2: Fixed sector: services subject to regulation
Table 3: Mobile sector: services subject to regulation in Oman
Table 4: Relevant markets in Oman
Table 1: Oman mobile market information (1Q10)
Table 2: Fixed sector: services subject to regulation
Table 3: Mobile sector: services subject to regulation in Oman
Table 4: Relevant markets in Oman
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Fixed-line subscribers in Oman
Figure 2: Internet subscribers in Oman
Figure 3: Mobile subscribers in Oman
Figure 1: Fixed-line subscribers in Oman
Figure 2: Internet subscribers in Oman
Figure 3: Mobile subscribers in Oman
