A Partner of Choice for Oman’s e-Government Strategy
Ooredoo Signs Agreement with ITA to Build and Operate the Government’s Next Generation High Speed Network
Muscat, Oman
Ooredoo signed an agreement with the Information Technology Authority (ITA) to build and operate the Omani government’s Next Generation High Speed Network (NGN). Leveraging on Oman Broadband Company‘s fibre network, the new world-class NGN gigabit speed and high capacity bandwidth will deliver better public services by integrating and connecting over 60 Ministries under one fast, reliable and secure platform, allowing for greater efficiency and data-sharing.
Launched in 2003 with the vision of transforming Oman into a knowledge-based economy by 2020, the Sultanate’s e-government strategy has since increased digital literacy, facilitated more services and built the local capacities. Over the years, Ooredoo has been working closely with the government, sharing its knowledge and expertise to advance the Sultanate’s ICT development strategy, a decade-long relationship that brought to light this latest five year partnership.
Dr. Salim bin Sultan Al Ruzaiqi, CEO of the Information Technology Authority (ITA), commented, “This agreement is a breakthrough in elevating and improving Oman’s Government Network (OGN), in line with the e.oman strategy’s aim to adapt to the rapid change in technology. Ensuring maximum speeds, enhanced security solutions, as well as cost effective integrated services will ultimately improve the government e-services provided to citizens.”
Greg Young, CEO of Ooredoo, also commented, “Being chosen from a field of experienced and expert telecoms companies to build the backbone for Oman’s e-government strategy is an honour and a testament to the drive and ambition of Ooredoo, as we establishes ourselves as the Government of Oman’s telecommunications partner of choice. The investment in this Next Generation High Speed Network is a clear demonstration of the country’s innovative and forward looking ICT strategy, which supports current needs while preparing for the demands of the future. By facilitating more efficient interaction between local communities, businesses and the government, Ooredoo is looking forward to empowering people and transforming how Oman does business through technology.”
To date, Ooredoo has invested over RO 124 million in network modernisation and currently covers 99% of the Sultanate’s population. In 2015 the company also witnessed the completion of its 5,500 kilometre independent nationwide fibre backbone, which has since enabled it to offer cost-efficient and high-speed services across the length and breadth of Oman.
About Ooredoo
Omani Qatari Telecommunications Company SAOG (“Ooredoo”) was founded and registered in the Sultanate of Oman in December 2004. It launched its service in March 2005 as the challenger mobile operator in Oman, originally operating under the name Nawras. The Company was awarded the second fixed licence in Oman in 2009, and launched its international gateway in April 2010, its corporate fixed and broadband services in May 2010, and its residential fixed and broadband services in June 2010. Since 2010, Ooredoo has been an integrated services telecommunications operator and is currently serving over 2 million customers across the Sultanate. Following a successful IPO on 1 November 2010, Ooredoo is listed on the Muscat Stock Market (MSM) under the “ORDS” ticker. Ooredoo is majority owned by Ooredoo Q.S.C. and also has a number of significant Omani shareholders which ensures that the company is strongly integrated into the Omani society. Ooredoo has won a number of awards including Jury’s Distinction Award for Customer Service Excellence in the telecom sector 2013, Leading Telecommunications Company at the Arab Achievement Awards 2013, Best Operator Network at the Telecoms World Middle East 2013 Awards, a number of awards for their outstanding campaigns at the Dubai Lynx Awards in February 2014 and the CommsMEA award for Middle East Mobile Operator of the Year 2015.
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About Ooredoo Group
Ooredoo is a leading international communications company delivering mobile, fixed, broadband internet and corporate managed services tailored to the needs of consumers and businesses across markets in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia. As a community-focused company, Ooredoo is guided by its vision of enriching people’s lives and its belief that it can stimulate human growth by leveraging communications to help people achieve their full potential. Ooredoo has a presence in markets such as Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Algeria, Tunisia, Iraq, Palestine, the Maldives, Myanmar and Indonesia. The company was named “Most Innovative Company of the Year – MEA Region” at the 2015 International Business Awards.
The company reported revenues of USD 8.8 billion in 2015 and had a consolidated global customer base of 117 million customers as of 31 December 2015. Ooredoo’s shares are listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.
