FAQs


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FAQs

What are the fees and charges levied for issuing a license for the establishment and operation of a Telecom System or the provision of telecom services?

There are a number of fees and charges collected by TRA as follows:
  • Fees for application to obtain the license.
  • A one-time fee for issuing the license.
  • Annual royalty
  • Annual license fees.
  • Other fees such as radio license fees if applicable and type approval charges.
Telecom licensees may apply for approval to provide such services.
This is regarded as a private network for personal use and it requires a permit to establish or operate a private telecom network for personal use in accordance with the applicable procedures.
This requires a license for the provision of a telecom service and not only a permit for the provision of IVMS service.
The provision of satellite telecommunications services is subject to obtaining a license. The license type depends on the type of service to be provided.
You can get the information from TRA website by clicking ‘telecommunications’, then clicking ‘licenses’ and clicking the required option.
You can call TRA on 24222222 and ask to speak to the department staff or you may alternatively send email to: telecomlicense@tra.gov.om
Internet services have to be offered only through a licensed internet service provider. Currently, only Omantel is the licensed internet service provider in the Sultanate, and internet services should be obtained through Omantel regardless of the mean of delivery. TRA is currently formulating a policy for opening the internet market and shall be announced to the public in the near future.
TRA regularly checks the network performance and quality of service of operators. Failure to comply with quality of service requirements may result in penalties imposed on the service providers.
The old numbering plan was suffering from the following:
  • The structured allocation of number groups is exhausted
  • Some exchanges were running out of numbers
  • It did not have consistent geographic location identity
  • No spare numbering capacity for the introduction of new operators and new services
The new numbering plan should be sufficient enough to cover the requirements of the market for many years. However, with the rapid development of the telecommunications industry, TRA may consider the need of amending the numbering plan as when necessary.
Short codes are categorised by the type of service for which they are used. There are two types of short codes: Types A and B.
Type A short codes are used by callers to reach commonly used services, such as ‘9999’ for emergencies. They are designated individually by the Authority for theafore-mentioned services, andare notallocated to any particular operator. To apply for Type A short code, you have to be a provider of a common service that is directed to the public,for examplea provider of emergency services (fire brigade, ambulance services, etc).
Type B short codes have network-wide significance and are used by callers to access services available from the operator’s own system. These codes are allocated by the Authority to theoperators and are unique to a particular operator. To apply for such short codes, you have to be a licensed telecommunication service provider.
TRA allocates numbers to telecommunications service providers in blocks. It does not allocate numbers to individual users. In order to get a number, the user can apply to the service providers who have been allocated the block of numbers which contains the desired number.
You have to request it from your mobile service provider.
  • Go to www.tra.gov.om
  • Click on e-type approval
  • Sign up>fill up the details form, you can use PKI option
  • Sign in>enter your username & password or through PKI option.
Fill up all the application details and provide the following documents:
  • Declaration of conformity (DOC)
  • Radio Frequency test report (RF)
  • Electromagnetic compatibility test report (EMC)
  • Specific Absorption Rate test report (SAR)
  • Safety test report
The fees is 100 OMR for each type of equipment expect the short-range device and wireless access system are 50 OMR.
All the companies which import telecom equipment for commercial purpose and the fees is depend to the company grade.
تقوم الهيئة بشكل دوري بالتحقق من أداء الشبكة وجودة الخدمات المقدمة من المشغلين ، وقد تقوم بفرض عقوبات على مزودي الخدمة في حال عدم إلتزامهم بمتطلبات جودة الخدمة.
All kind of cell phone, all the radio devices, all the other equipment, which connect with public network.
Yes, and you can put the label in the device itself, package or user manual.
All the importers of telecom equipment for commercial purpose also for personal use in case the equipment is not yet approved.
Within same day, in case the application is meet with our requirement and all the documents were provided.
  • ensure users safety, operator staff and networks.
  • ensuring the limitation of electromagnetic interference
  • facilitate the work of customs officials to determine what permits and what prevents importation.
We have integration between tra system and customs system (Bayan) so after you got approval of release from tra system you just request to use the application number (RC……) in Bayan system.
Yes, you can contact with department mail at ta@tra.gov.om
No, TRA does not set prices. Prices are set by operators /service providers. TRA regulates prices, in the sense that every price proposal for new/existing services is submitted to TRA for approval before implementation. TRA regulates prices in fulfilment of two goals:
  • Ensuring that prices are reasonable to the public
  • Ensuring that prices reflect costs as much as possible to rule out any anti-competitive practices or strategies any operator might resort to.
Competition stimulates market players to become more efficient. It provides consumers with more choices of services, at prices that are closer to cost levels and enhances the quality at which services are offered.
Interconnection is the connection of telecommunications networks in order to allow subscribers of a network to communicate with subscribers of other networks.
Extending basic telecommunications services to the uncovered areas based on the geographical location or number of inhabitants as per Articles 38 and 39 of the Telecommunications Regulatory Act.
Licensees are obliged to provide services as per licenses conditions and as per their quality of service requirements Procedures for handling customer complaints are approved by TRA. Consumers should approach the operator/service provider with their complaints and go through the procedures in place. In cases where, all these channels have been exhausted without resulting in a satisfactory solution, consumers may approach the Authority and their complaints will be investigated.
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Online portal Accounts

Am I eligible to have access to the TRA Radio Licensing Portal?

Access is restricted to Spectrum users or applicants intending to use spectrum.
To get an account, you should sign up as a new user, and wait for feedback from TRA. For more details,click here Signup/step by step
Each applicant shall have one main account with privilege to perform online payments and to submit the application forms to TRA. This account should be the authorized person account. However, technical sub-accounts can be created and managed by the main account holder mentioned above. Sub-accounts are limited to the creation and preparation of technical data in the appropriate application forms.
Sub-accounts can be managed by the owner of the main account. They can be added, deleted or modified by clicking on “Manage Contacts” on the menu.
Log in with your account, go to “User Account” and then click on “Change Password”.
The applicant administrative data can be updated through direct coordination with Spectrum Management Unit.

Applications

How can I apply for a new application?

Go to “New” on the menu, and then select the required service/sub-service. Fill in the application form, pay the application fee and finally submit the application to TRA.
For more details, click here
New Satellite/Fixed VSAT
New Private Mobile/PMR Assignment
New Maritime/Ship
New Common/Radiolocation
There are seven possible durations for a new radio license depending on the applicant requirement:
  • Annual (One Year)
  • Two Years
  • Three Years
  • Four Years
  • Five Years
  • Temporary (up to 3 months)
  • Experimental (up to 2 months)
The maximum period for the temporary authorization shall be three months. Renewal of a temporary authorization is possible once for the same period as the one initially requested. Thereafter, annual fees apply.
A minimum period for an experimental authorization shall be one month and the maximum period shall be two months.
Go to “Modify” on the menu, select the required service/sub-service and then select the license that needs to be modified. “An application requesting change of frequency, increase of power, increase of transmission capacity, change of location or increase of antenna height will be considered as a new application requiring payment of all the consequent fees payable for registration and usage of new radio frequencies.” (Article 7 of Decision 133/2008). An applicant is privileged to apply for such modification application before 45 days from the expiry date. However, If you are aiming to change the parameters in a way to reduce the consumption of radio resources (e.g. decrease bandwidth, decrease radiated power, change site name (with no geographic coordinates chages), …etc.), then advanced modification fee is applicable in this case. Please note that this type of modification can be applied at anytime before the license expiry date.
For more details, click here: Modify Application
Go to “Replacement” on the menu, and then select the required service/sub-service. Applying for equipment replacement shall be 45 days ahead of the expiry date and advanced modification fee is applicable in this case. In addition, the licensee shall dispose of the replaced radio equipment(s) within six months from the date of the issued disposal letter. The licensee shall obtain TRA’s approval for the equipment disposal method.
For more details, click here: Replacement Application
Go to “Cancel” on the menu, and then select the required service/sub-service. Applying for cancellation can be at anytime before the expiry date and advanced cancellation fee is applicable in this case. In addition, cancelled radio equipment(s) shall be disposed of within six months from cancellation date. The licensee shall obtain TRA’s approval for the equipment disposal method.
For more details, click here: Cancel Application
Go to “New” on the menu, and then select “Retention Services” from the list. Equipment retention license gives you the right to keep the radio equipment in your stock without operating it and is applicable only for valid radio license(s) or cancelled/replaced radio equipment(s). Applying for retention can be at anytime within the validity date(s) for valid radio license(s) and within the given six months disposal period in case of cancelled/replaced radio equipment(s). Moreover, the period for retaining a radio equipment shall not exceed 3 years from the first retention license issuance date.
For more details, click here: Retention Application
The system automatically generates the renewal advices for payments with the calculation details attached. These advices for payments are issued within 45 days before the license(s) expiry date(s). Notifications to licensees about invoices issuance are sent by the system through SMS & E-mail. To avoid penalties, please make sure to pay the radio licenses renewal fees within a period not exceeding one month from the licenses expiry dates.

Invoice Payment

What payment methods are available in the online portal?

There are three methods available in the online portal to settle any type of fees or assessments/invoices:
  • Credit Card
  • Deduct from your advance payable account at TRA
  • Attach proof of payment.

For more details, click here: Payment Methods
The following nine categories of fee types may apply during the different licensing processes depending on the types of applications: Advanced Fees:
  • Application fees
  • Survey fees
  • Modification fees
  • Cancellation fees
  • License duplicate fees
  • Retention fees
Non-advanced Fees:
  • Utilization fees (Annually)
  • Registration fees
  • Late payment penalty
Bank Muscat
Account Number: 0335-00186661-0011
The grace priods granted for invoice payment depends on the type of application/process as follows:
  • New (Ship & Aircraft Services):
    “A grace period of one month shall be given for payment of fees for licensing of radio equipment used in ships, boats and planes. In case of delay of fee payment, the penalty set out in the attached regulation shall be applicable. Where the delay is part of a month, the fee shall be calculated proportionately based on the period of delay to a month.” (article 10 of Decision 133/2008)
  • New (for other services):
    “A grace period of two months shall be given for payment of fees for assigning and licensing new frequencies. If no payment is made during this period, the application shall be deemed cancelled and the applicant will be required to file a new application for assignment and usage of radio frequencies.” (article 9 of Decision 133/2008)
  • Renewal:
    ” A one month grace period starting from the license expiry date shall be granted for payment of the prescribed fees for renewal of the radio license or its cancellation, while a grace period of one month shall be granted from the issue date of the advice note of fees payable as a result of requesting administrative modifications to the license, reduction of the number of frequencies or reduction of any technical features in the station or the radio equipment. In case of delay of fee payment, the penalty set out in the attached regulation shall be applicable for each month of delay up to twelve months. Where the delay is part of a month, the fee shall be calculated proportionately based on the period of delay to a month. If no payment is made during this period, the license will be revoked and the radio equipment will be seized and legal actions stipulated in the Act will be taken.” (article 8 of Decision 133/2008).

Downloads

How can I Download

Go to “Download ” on the menu, and then search for the required documents based on certain search fields.
For more details, click here: Download Documents
You can download five types of documents via the online portal:
  • Radio License
  • Assessment/Invoice
  • Provisional Approval (titled as letter)
  • Cancellation Form (titled as letter)
  • Disposal Letter (titled as letter)

Spectrum Usage

How can I check the Spectrum usage?

Go to “Spectrum” on the menu, then click on “Overview”, select the service/subservice from the dropdown list in service field and input the frequency range in MHz. The listed figures based on the inputted query reflect the numbers of civil frequency assignments and are meant to provide a general overview of the spectrum usage in the Sultanate of Oman.
For more details, click here: Spectrum Overview

Notification

Do I receive notifications from TRA?

Notifications are automatically sent to the applicant via E-mail & SMS to inform about the progress throughout the applications’ different processing stages.
The applicant administrative data and contact details can be updated through direct coordination with Spectrum Management Unit.

Pricing Regulation

What is the Pricing Regulation ?

The pricing policy is contained in a regulation by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority laid down in “Decision No. 133/2008 issuing the regulation organizing the registration and utilization of frequencies and radio equipment and their pricing” and its amendments. It contains a list of different radiocommunication service types which are subject to spectrum pricing. Fees may be charged one time, annually, temporary or on experimental basis. Penalties may also be applied in certain cases.
For more details, click here: Pricing Regulation

Provisional Approval

What shall I do after receiving the provisional approval?

You can receive/import the radio equipment(s) through the vendor/custom and provide TRA with a copy of delivery note or release letter along with serial numbers in order to issue the radio license(s).
No, you can not use the radio equipment(s) unless after granting the radio license(s). The provisional approval enables the applicant to identify the radio frequencies, the technical characteristics and data approved to be used for purposes of programming the radio equipment by the manufacturer and their importation to Oman. It shall not be considered a license to use the radio equipment.
The duration of the provisional approval shall only be limited to three months and the Authority may, based on a substantiated request, approve its extension for further three months.
In case of non-importation of equipment, or non-provision of the radio equipment serial numbers to the Authority within the validity period, the provisional approval shall be deemed expired and the applicant shall submit a fresh application to obtain the radio license pursuant to the applicable procedures. Disposal

Disposal

How can I dispose the cancelled/replaced radio equipments?

You shall dispose of the cancelled/replaced radio equipments either by exporting them out of the country and present the proving documents or by selling them to another user after the approval of the TRA. If not disposed of within six months, you shall surrender them to TRA.

Other Topics

Do radio equipments need to be type approved by TRA?

Yes all radio equipments shall be type approved by TRA prior to license/usage.
Go to “Type Appr. Eqps” on the menu, and then click on “Overview”. After that you can specify your search.
If the equipment is not type approved, the applicant shall contact Type Approval and Authorization (TA&A) Department to obtain the required type approval certificate as per the TA&A procedure.
The applicant shall have a direct coordination with Spectrum Management Unit to add the type approved equipment details to the database list.
The loss of the radio equipment shall be reported to Royal Oman Police. Accordingly, the licensee should inform the TRA about the loss of the radio equipment and send a copy the of ROP notification report to TRA. After that, the licensee should either apply for equipment replacement or license cancellation of the lost radio equipment.
Yes all radio equipments need a radio license prior to usage unless they are exempted from radio licensing by a decision from TRA.
For more details, click here: Pricing Regulation

How can the beneficiaries check whether the service provider is licensed or not?

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority regularly publishes and updates the list of licensees on their website (Postal Services Licensees) Clik here
Yes, the postal service provider must only use the approved tariffs and disclose any additional charges incurred on the service and they should clearly publish them and inform the customer of them.
The service provider is not allowed to charge any tariff for postal services unless it has been approved by the TRA and the customer is informed of it
Yes, the time period is specified by the service provider for each destination. Please do not hesitate to ask your service provider for this information.
The complaint should be initially handled by the postal service provider, if it is not resolved it should be escalated to the TRA and the compensation will be calculated based on the Postal Law and Executive Regulation’s
Yes, the tracking number will be provided in your invoice/ receipt and you can track your postal item from the service provider’s website.
TRA regularly checks the performance and quality of service of the licensed operators and carries out mystery shopper tests to ensure the licensees compliance to the postal law and its executive regulations.
No, the postal service provider’s responsibility is to delivery your postal item only.
You can call TRA Call Centre on 1000 and through the following contact details.

Principal Place of Business

TRA Premises at Seeb Airport Heights
(opposite Muscat International Airport)

Registered Address

Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
P.O. Box 3555, P.C. 111,
Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
Email us: consumer@tra.gov.om
Tel: +968 24 22 22 22
Call Center: 1000
Working Days/Hours
The TRA business hours Sunday to Thursday. 7.30 am – 4.00 pm (GMT+4)
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