(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Oman Broadband Company plans to extend and strengthen the fibre optic network in the sultanate to cover even the remotest parts and to provide faster and cheaper broadband services.
A workshop, presided over by H E Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Salim al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications, was held recently to bring together stakeholders in the public sector, its investment bodies and the private sector. Consultants from regional nations like Qatar too were present to share their experiences in the field.
H E Dr Futaisi said there is a need to combine technologies to attain a wider reach to all segments of society.
''Oman has a very strong infrastructure base that is capable of reaching remote areas. If we infuse telecom developments like optical fibre, we will be able to provide broadband services at a faster speed and in lesser time. This way we can reach citizens better,'' he said.
Eng Said bin Abdullah al Mandhari, CEO of Oman Broadband Company, said there is an increased demand for broadband Internet. ''The Oman Broadband Company will work to extend fibre optic networks to major cities with large populations outside the Muscat governorate for homes, service, commercial and industrial establishments.
''It will also be of interest to strengthen networks of optical fibre telecommunications operators to enable them to provide broadband services over high-speed mobile phone network,'' he added.
''Broadband is an essential part of economic and social life. It plays an important role in stimulating economic growth and increases productivity in different sectors to improve the standard of living of citizens.''
Eng Mandhari said rural areas are of great importance and will receive the highest priority in the company's operational plans.
''In line with the recommendations of the national strategy for broadband, we seek to bridge the knowledge gap by connecting different villages through satellite or other appropriate solutions,'' he said.
Setting up the Oman Broadband Company is part of a series of steps taken by the government earlier like providing financial support to Haya Water to lay fibre optic cables in Muscat city, and the allocation of funds for providing more spectrum for mobile phone companies to extend their reach across O
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