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Oman sets up first mobile phone firm

MUSCAT - Oman has set up the first mobile phone company in the country that would compete with private operators expected to be granted a licence later this year.

By From Our Special Correspondent

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Published: Sun 14 Mar 2004, 11:54 AM

Last updated: Thu 2 Apr 2015, 12:15 PM

State-run Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) said that the new company, named Oman Mobile Telecommunications Company, would be initially owned by the Ministry of Finance.

"In due course, 30 per cent of the shares of this company would be offered to private investors," an official said.

He added that the new company would be chaired by Mohammed Ali Al Wohaibi, the Executive President of Omantel. His deputy, Dr Amer Awadh Al Rawas has been appointed as the managing director.

The government has granted Oman Mobile Telecommunications Company a 15-year licence to operate as an independent company. Oman has already invited bids from international companies for a licence to establish a private mobile phone company. Ten companies including UK's Vodafone and Orange of France have submitted tenders for the license expected to be granted later this year.

The government also plans to invite foreign firms this year to apply for licences for a second fixed-line telephone company and for a new Internet service provider to end a thirty year monopoly from Omantel.