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Qtel unit gets Oman fixed line licence

Doha, June 10, 2009

Qatar Telecom (Qtel) has welcomed Oman's decision to grant a first class fixed-line licence to its Omani unit Qatari Telecommunications Company (Nawras) for a period of 25 years.

Under a Royal Decree by Oman ruler Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Nawras, as a license holder, is now entitled to provide fixed, data and international telecommunication services in the Sultanate.

Besides it can also use the country's network infrastructure to offer a range of leading-edge technologies, such as Wi-Max and HSDPA services.

Since its launch in 2005 as the second operator in Oman, Nawras has provided a wide range of new innovations for the GSM market, growing to over 1.6 million customers and achieving a market share of more than 45 per cent by the end of the first quarter of 2009, said a top official.

The licence provides for the installation and operation of a fixed telecommunications services system for a period of 25 years, with frequency spectrum rights granted for 15 years, said Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al Thani, chairman of Qtel.

'This is a historic moment for Nawras and for the wider Qtel Group, as it enables us to begin to offer a full range of services to the people of Oman, and to deliver our commitment to quality for fixed line customers as well as mobile customers.'

'Across our operations, Qtel continues to strive to provide the widest possible portfolio of world-class communication solutions.'

With the issuance of the new fixed line licence, Nawras is now positioned to grow its business outside of its core mobile communications area, and begin to provide the same level of innovative service and high quality support that mobile customers enjoy to a new wave of fixed line customers.

Sheikh Salim bin Mostahail Al-Mashani, chairman of the board, Nawras, said the new licence is hugely significant for Nawras, 'providing us with the legal framework to enable our company’s transformation into a full-service, integrated telecommunications provider for Oman.'

'We are committed to offering a full range of services for the people, to meet the developing communication needs of the Sultanate,' he added.

As part of its strategy for development, the company plans to operate its own international gateway to provide higher quality and capacity for both fixed and mobile customers. Nawras also has clear plans to play its part in meeting the Sultanate’s Broadband vision.

To support the people of Oman, Nawras has established a dedicated corporate and business unit, and has introduced a range of Nawras Business Solutions, alongside its impressive consumer portfolio.-TradeArabia News Service




Tags: Oman | Qtel | licence | fixed line | Nawras |

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