Oman to launch mobile connectivity in 410 villages
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Oman to launch mobile connectivity in 410 villages

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Oman (TRA) has pledged to install 312 new telecom stations that will provide mobile connectivity in 410 villages.

The installations will take place across two phases and will be completed by 2017, TRA said, as it looks to expand mobile connectivity across Oman.

The first phase will see 200 mobile masts installed, and is already underway with 138 installations complete, and the rest to be up and running by the end of March 2017.

The second phase will see a further 210 built, according to the Times of Oman, although the sites have yet to be approved and will require construction permits. NRA is aiming to complete phase two by the end of next year.

“The villagers had to seek out other locations with telecom coverage to get a decent signal, but now that there are stations it would be economically efficient for them,” Al Yahyai said.

“Now, they can save time, and instead of travelling, they can stay connected with the rest of the nation from the comfort of their homes,” he added.

The move from TRA follows arecent announcement that it was inviting operators to apply for the sultanate’s third mobile licence. Oman already has state-owned Omantel and Qatar-based Ooredoo offering mobile services in the country, but TRA said it is looking to enhance competition in the country.

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