Second distributor appointed for Nokia in Oman

Bell Tel, the new dealer, said it planned to open branches throughout the Sultanate, beginning with three this year.

"MHD (the existing distributor) is doing a good job... The new appointment is meant to cater for rising demand for our products here," Iyad Issa, Nokia's Area Manager, Lower Gulf, told a news conference.

It was also part of the company's overall strategy of intensifying focus on consumer needs, he said, adding: "The consumer is the deciding point for us."

In reply to a question, Issa said the number of Nokia customers in Oman was "growing nicely," but declined to provide figures. "We are in a healthy position in Oman... We are definitely in a leadership position," he added.

Malik al Khalidi, Director, Bell Tel, said the company's strategy was to spread across the country in phases. It will open its first branch in Salalah in three months, and two more before the end of the year, he added.

Talal al Rahbi, Oman Mobile's Manager Product Development and Market Intelligence, said the company, the Sultanate's first and biggest cellphone service provider, would soon enter into a tie up with Bell Tel to offer their customers special packages.