Sultan Al Wahaibi: “Oman Broadband supports the Ministry’s and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) initiatives within the National Program for Digital Economy and Sustainable Development in the Sultanate of Oman through strategic partnerships.
- 886,537 fiber optic units in Oman
- Plans to expand coverage to one million units during the next phase
- Oman Broadband contributes to raising the Sultanate of Oman’s ranking to 22nd in the Telecommunications infrastructure index
- More than 300,000 fiber optic subscribers
- Omanisation rate is 99.5%
- IPO to boost investments and expand digital infrastructure
Eng. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Wahaibi, CEO of Oman Broadband, extended his warmest congratulations and blessings to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on the occasion of the fifty-fourth glorious National Day, which represents an important milestone in the Renaissance of the Sultanate of Oman.
In press statements, Al Wahaibi highlighted the outstanding successes achieved by Oman Broadband in expanding the fiber optic network. The number of units covered stood at 886,537 units as of the end of October 2024. He also pointed to the significant expansion of the company’s plans to cover one million housing units over the next three years. This effort reflects the company’s commitment to achieving digital transformation in the Sultanate of Oman, and its contribution to raising the ranking of the Sultanate of Oman to 22nd in the telecommunications infrastructure index.
He also noted that Oman Broadband supports the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology’s and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) initiatives to achieve the National Program for Digital Economy and Sustainable Development in the Sultanate of Oman through various strategic partnerships.
The Press Interview touched on the company’s achievements and the increase in the number of subscribers to more than 300,000. This increase reflects the quality of the company’s services and the confidence of users in them. He also touched on the company’s role in supporting the Omanisation policy with the Omanization rate at the company now standing at 99.5%. He also talked about Oman Broadband’s continuous support for small and medium enterprises through direct and indirect business outsourcing.
Eng. Sultan Al Wahaibi also discussed the company’s expansion plan through strategic partnerships with government and private institutions, with a focus on large projects such as Madinat Sultan Haitham, Sohar Smart City and Al Khuwair Downtown.
He also pointed out that the company intends to offer part of its shares for public subscription in order to promote investments and support the Omani digital economy.
Here are excerpts from the freewheeling interview.
1. As Oman Broadband continues to be successful. How many units are covered by the fiber optic network? What is your expansion plan for the coming period?
We were able to achieve positive indicators during the past periods. The total number of units covered by the Oman Broadband’s fiber optic network stood at 886,537 as of the end of October 2024, with 422,106 units in Muscat Governorate, and 464,431 units outside Muscat Governorate. The total number of subscribers stood at 302,191 as of the end of October 2024. Oman Broadband is expected to cover more than 97 percent will be in Muscat, and about 50 percent outside Muscat Governorate over the next three years. We are currently working on an ambitious plan to cover one million units with a fibre optic network over the next three years. This plan includes enhancing investment in infrastructure and expanding our partnerships with various stakeholders to achieve this goal.
The company’s investments and movable assets have amounted to more than OMR 287 million since its establishment in 2014.
| Total Number of Home Pass | 886,537 |
| Total Number of Home Pass – Muscat | 422,106 |
| Total Number of Units Outside Muscat / Home pass Muscat | 464,431 |
| Coverage percentage in Muscat over the next 3 years / Coverage | 97% |
| Coverage percentage outside Muscat during the next 3 years / Coverage | 50% |
| Total number of active subscribers / Active Subscribers | 302,191 |
2. The number of fiber optic network subscribers has crossed 300,000 subscribers as of the end of October 2024… How do these achievements in Oman contribute to the Infrastructure Index?
The number of fiber optic network subscribers has exceeded 300,000. With 302,191 active subscribers as of the end of October 2024. This achievement represents a major step in strengthening Oman’s digital infrastructure and highlights the vital role of Oman Broadband in this digital transformation in the Sultanate of Oman. We are proud that our efforts contributed to the Sultanate of Oman’s ranking as 22nd in the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index for 2024, according to the United Nations report issued by the ESCWA Committee.
The increase in the number of subscribers reflects the growing confidence in the fiber optic network and the quality of its services and directly contributes to supporting digital transformation. This network provides its users with fast and high-quality connectivity, which enhances the capabilities of individuals and companies alike.
3. What are the contributions of Oman Broadband to job creation and employment in the Sultanate?
Oman Broadband strives to be one of the leading companies in supporting employment and job creation in the Omani market. The company succeeded in achieving an Omanization rate of 99.5%. The number of Omani employees stood at 190. In addition, the company is working to enhance the participation of Omanis in development projects through indirect employment, with 281 Omani employees working directly on network projects.
The company continues to create employment opportunities for more than 60 entrepreneurs, as well as 694 SMEs operating with direct or indirect broadband. These initiatives underscore the company’s commitment to providing effective solutions in the field of local employment and reflect its prominent role in supporting Omani workers and developing the local labor market.
4. Oman Broadband has announced its intention to go public. How important is this trend, and how does it reflect its strategy?
Oman Broadband plans to go public, an important step aimed at strengthening its investment capabilities and expanding its infrastructure to meet the growing demand for broadband services in Oman. Through this IPO, the company will be able to secure additional liquidity to support its expansion and development projects. The fresh fund will contribute to enhancing its ability to achieve financial sustainability and support Oman’s digital economy.
As for the exit strategy, it is part of the Oman Investment Authority’s plan to expand the allocation of some government assets to increase the volume of liquidity and attract investors from home and abroad. This step will augment the financials of the Muscat Stock Exchange and turn it into a global emerging market. Moreover, listing the company in the market allows investors to participate in the telecommunications sector and enhances opportunities for economic growth through partnerships and sustainable projects.
5. What are the most prominent partnerships that the company is working on, and how do they contribute to the development of broadband infrastructure in the Sultanate of Oman?
At Oman Broadband, we believe that partnerships are key to fostering collaboration and expanding our services. Through these partnerships, we leverage complementary strengths, contributing to the development of joint ventures that contribute to optimizing resources and expanding broadband network coverage in Oman.
The company currently has more than 50 partnership agreements and cooperation programs with various entities including the government and private sectors, developers, the oil and gas sector, and water, electricity and wastewater service companies.
Our efforts are aligned with the government sector, especially with the Ministries of Transport and Communications and Information Technology, as well as the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning. We contribute to supporting the strategic pillars of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning projects such as smart cities, strategic projects and the Sorouh initiative, by providing open infrastructure for fiber optic access. We are joining hands with Nama Group to reduce recurring investment, in line with the Ministry’s new approach aimed at simplifying infrastructure,
The most prominent of these is the recent partnerships with Silal Central Market for Vegetables and Fruits, Al Mouj Muscat, Edraak Real Estate Development Company, Globalcom Telecom, Muscat Hills Network, Khazayn Economic City, Muscat Hills and others.
6. What are the developments in the fiber optic network in the Madinat Sultan Haitham project?
The “Sultan Haitham City” project is one of the most prominent projects that we are currently working on. We are at an advanced stage with the full design approval of the fibre optic network extension, and we are now working on the implementation of the first phase, which covers more than 10,000 residential units. We are also waiting for the Sohar Smart City project, which is still in the design phase. We plan to implement a unified facility infrastructure that supports this growing urban community.
These projects are part of our commitment to bring the fibre network across the Sultanate of Oman. Through these partnerships, we open new horizons to connect projects to OBB’s fiber optic network. This will enhance our ability to support technological and economic development in various cities and communities in the Sultanate of Oman
7. Are Oman Broadband’s main initiatives to support In-Country Value (ICV), and how do they contribute to local economic growth?
At Oman Broadband, we are working to promote the growth of ICV and initiatives that support ICV. This year the company has qualified a group of SMEs by incubating and qualifying them to obtain quality certificates. The company also provided direct or indirect business to approximately 1,194 local companies. Oman Broadband has trained and qualified 562 job seekers in addition to 115 university students in various fields of training available during the past four years.
The company has contributed to supporting ICV in multiple fields through the provision of broadband networks. The number of beneficiaries of the fiber optic service stood at more than 300,000 citizens and 24,000 companies. The company also covers nearly 600 rural villages with a satellite broadband network.
8. Receiving three ISO certifications reflects a commitment to excellence and sustainability. Can you explain these achievements and their impact on the company’s operations?
Receiving these certifications reflects our ongoing commitment to improving and delivering value to our customers and employees. The ISO 9001:2015 certification reflects our focus on customer satisfaction and continuous quality improvement. It also reflects the efficiency and reliability of our business operations.
The ISO 45001:2018 certification in occupational health and safety management reflects our commitment to providing a safe and healthy work environment. The certificate reflects our responsibility towards employees and society in general. Finally, ISO 14001:2015 certification for Environmental Management Systems reflects our efforts in areas such as sustainability and environmental preservation.
As part of the Ta’heel (Rehabilitation) program, Oman Broadband supported four SMEs to obtain the ISO 9001:2015 certification. Our contribution comes in a bid to raise the level of quality and reliability of their services, increase their efficiency and enable them to compete with large companies. These companies are Izdihar Technology Solutions, Sohool Trading & Contracting, Reef Telecom & Electricity Services, and Al Maqar Trading & Contracting.