Saturday 16 / May / 2026
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman will celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day on Sunday.
Observed annually on May 17, under the theme 'Digital lifeline - building resilience in a connected world,' it will highlight Oman’s experience in strengthening digital infrastructure readiness and ensuring the continuity of vital services under various circumstances.
Dr. Saud bin Humaid Al Shuaili, Director General of the Directorate General of Policies and Governance and Chairman of the National Programme of Space at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said Oman practically embodied the concept of digital resilience during Cyclone Shaheen, as the national emergency management system demonstrated high efficiency in coordination and integration among relevant government entities and licensed telecommunications companies.
He explained to Oman News Agency that the communications and information technology sector played a pivotal role in supporting relief and response operations by enhancing network readiness, ensuring immediate communication between authorities, and delivering alerts and information to citizens and residents in affected areas.
Dr. Al Shuaili stressed that achieving digital resilience requires integrated efforts and sustainable investment in flexible infrastructure capable of rapid recovery, noting that the ministry continues to work with partners to strengthen the resilience of the communications and information technology sector and develop policies and plans that ensure service sustainability and address future challenges, including climate risks and emergencies.
He also affirmed Oman’s commitment to supporting international efforts led by the International Telecommunication Union to build a more inclusive and resilient digital world that guarantees access to communication services for all, especially during crises and emergencies.
For his part, Omar bin Abdullah Al Qutbi, Vice President of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and representative of the sub-communications sector within the National Emergency Management System, said the telecommunications sector represents a key pillar in the emergency management framework amid growing reliance on communications and information technology services across vital sectors.
He noted that the sector has established advanced levels of national readiness and resilience through sophisticated infrastructure, modern regulatory frameworks and integrated business continuity plans that ensure rapid response and minimise the impact of emergencies on essential services.
Al Qutbi added that the sector continues to enhance its regulatory and operational frameworks through specialised emergency management regulations, periodic updates of emergency plans by licensees, and ongoing field exercises to improve preparedness and address potential challenges.
He explained that the sector relies on a flexible technological system that includes backup routes and systems, geographical distribution of vital facilities, and emergency solutions such as local roaming, rerouting communications traffic and broadcasting warnings via mobile phones to ensure alerts reach citizens and residents quickly and efficiently.
He affirmed that the telecommunications sector has demonstrated a high capability to restore services and maintain critical operations during recovery phases, reflecting Oman’s advanced position in building secure and resilient communications networks capable of responding to various circumstances.
The communications and information technology sector in Oman continues to strengthen its role in building an advanced digital environment supporting the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 through innovation and the adoption of modern technologies to achieve sustainable economic and social development.
The year 2025 witnessed notable growth in the telecommunications and postal services sectors, with the number of licensed companies reaching 23 firms providing various telecommunications services, including fixed-line, mobile, international, maritime, infrastructure and encryption services.
The telecommunications sector recorded revenues of OMR918 million and investments amounting to OMR250.5 million during the 2023–2024 period, reflecting market expansion and rising demand for services.
Indicators also showed significant growth in mobile subscriptions between the fourth quarter of 2024 and 2025, rising to more than 6.5 million subscriptions compared to 6.3 million subscriptions, with a penetration rate of 123.5 percent.
Mobile broadband subscriptions exceeded 5.4 million, while fixed broadband subscriptions approached 599,000, with a penetration rate nearing 83 percent. Fixed telephone subscriptions reached 443,300, reflecting continued growth in telecommunications services.
Fifth-generation (5G) networks witnessed significant expansion during the first half of 2025, with the number of stations increasing to 6,671 compared to 5,432 during the same period in 2024, marking a growth rate of 23 percent and reinforcing the readiness of Oman’s digital infrastructure to support digital transformation and improve the efficiency and quality of communications services across sectors.
