Nawras’ fixed services to go live H2 2010

Nawras has announced it will launch its fixed voice and broadband services in Oman during the second half of this year. The operator is currently rolling out its fixed network across the sultanate, with approximately 10 kilometres of fibre optic cable being placed in the ground every day, with a target of 5,000 kilometres. Already 1,500 kilometres of cable have been installed.

Nawras has laid 1,500 kilometres of fibre optic cable from a planned 5,000 kilometres

Additionally the company is building WiMAX base stations to enable homes nationwide to take advantage of high speed broadband services. Fixed broadband will be available to more than 54 per cent of the population at launch with coverage expected to increase to 81 per cent by the middle of next year.

Nawras was awarded the second fixed licence in November 2008 and is part of the Qtel Group. The firm currently offers mobile services and ended 2009 with 1.86 million subscribers. State-backed Omantel is presently the only fixed services provider.