CEO's
Message
H.E: Omar Hamdan Al-Ismaili
Executive President of TRA
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) continues to pursue its ambitious goals in alignment with the strategic objectives of Oman Vision 2040. These efforts are integral for fostering a competitive, balanced, and diversified digital economy, grounded in innovation and knowledge, with a focus on achieving sustainable development.
In the telecommunications sector, a Class I license was granted to Starlink Muscat S.P.C to establish and operate a satellite communication system dedicated to fixed public telecommunications services. The sector also made significant progress in 2023 with the expansion of broadband networks across the Sultanate of Oman. The number of 5G stations reached 5,238, while fiber optic networks extended coverage to 773,589 residential units. The total revenue generated by companies licensed to provide telecommunications services amounted to OMR 878.483 million in 2023.
In the postal services sector, 15 new licenses were issued for the provision of postal services, bringing the total number of licensed companies in this sector to 63 by the end of 2023. This expansion was driven by the steady increase in the volume of local and incoming international postal items. As a result, the sector generated over 1,624 additional permanent job opportunities, with Omanis securing 1,223 of these positions during 2023.
To cultivate a flexible and up-to-date regulatory environment, TRA released 12 public consultation documents. Among the most notable was the Public Consultation on International Telecommunications Cable Regulation, through which TRA seeks to oversee the processes related to the establishment and operation of both submarine and terrestrial communication cables. Additionally, TRA issued a public consultation on the Framework for Postal Service Licensing, aiming to enhance the quality of postal services and open investment opportunities for emerging postal companies, thereby fostering qualitative and value-added investments.
In its efforts to bolster in-country value in the telecommunications sector and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and freelancers, TRA awarded 94 telecommunications projects to SMEs through the online platform "Nafath" in 2023, with a total value of OMR 10,051,540. Throughout the year, 390 SMEs registered on the platform, bringing the total number of registered SMEs on the Nafath platform to 2,544 by the end of 2023. Furthermore, the number of registered freelancers surpassed 4,800 individuals.
In 2023, pilot tests of the early warning system through telecommunications networks were conducted. TRA developed this early warning system in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority and mobile telecommunications service providers. The tests were conducted in certain coastal regions, where warning messages were sent to subscribers' mobile phones in the targeted areas.
To document and streamline the Authority’s processes while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and development, TRA completed the documentation of its procedures in accordance with the requirements of the Quality Management System (QMS). This system focuses on documenting processes and operations to achieve quality policy aligned with global best practices. In 2023, TRA was awarded the ISO 9001 international accreditation for its quality management system.
In recognition of its outstanding performance in 2023, TRA was honored among distinguished government units for achieving high-performance results in the "Institutional Excellence System" indicators. The Authority was also awarded the Digital Excellence Award in the government sector, being recognized as the best entity in achieving governmental digital transformation in the Sultanate of Oman. Regionally, TRA secured the first place in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Digital Government Award in the category of Best Digital Community Engagement for the "Public Consultations" project. Additionally, it was honored with the Excellence in Market Growth Enablement Award by the SAMENA Telecommunications Council.
In conclusion, we pray to Allah that these efforts will be crowned with success and prosperity, guided by the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq – may Allah protect him.
