Oman Mobile signs reseller deals with FRiENDi and Renna

FRiENDi Mobile and Renna have become the first two mobile resellers in the Middle East to reach commercial agreements with a host operator, Oman Mobile announced today, confirming reports by Comm. in the past week.

Oman Mobile’s managing director Amer Al Rawas said the reseller arrangements would further benefit the Omani market by addressing new customer segments and more competition

The agreements between Oman Mobile and the Class 2 licensees will enable them to operate as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), by reselling basic mobile services across Oman using their own brand, marketing and sales channels. The resellers will also offer and manage their own customer relations, billing and after-sales support.

Oman Mobile’s managing director Amer Al Rawas said this step would further benefit Omani customers by providing them with more choice, value added services, and addressing new segments.

“The agreements with Renna and FRiENDi Mobile are a concrete response from Oman Mobile to the decisions and policies set forth by the government and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), stressing implementation in the public interest and best returns on the customers and the society,” Al Rawas commented.

“Mobile resellers will be able to offer services to customers who have low or no access to mobile services, making the mobile telecom market even more competitive, further benefiting consumers and the Omani economy in general.”

FRiENDi Mobile, headquartered in Dubai, UAE, plans to operate as mobile reseller across the South Asia, Middle East and Africa (SAMEA) region, and also has a reseller licence in Jordan.

“We at FRiENDi mobile are proud to be launching this exciting new business model in Oman first and then in other markets in the SAMEA region in the months to come. We are extremely satisfied with the signing of this agreement which allows FRiENDi mobile to launch innovative and exciting mobile services in Oman,” stated Antti Arponen, CEO of FRiENDi Mobile Oman.

Renna is a 100 per cent Omani-owned company also known as Majan Telecom, and aims to be the best alternative communications provider in the region. CEO Niklas Nielsen said the agreement signalled a bold direction that would pioneer new standards in the Middle East “to promote free and responsible competition for the benefit of the society”.

A third reseller licensee, Mazoon Mobile, is understood to still be in negotiations with Oman Mobile over a partnership agreement, which is expected to be announced shortly.