Oman Mobile launches 3.5G network

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MUSCAT -- After mobilising an extensive team, ranging from telecom engineers to marketing specialists, Oman MobileOman Mobile yesterday announced the launch of its state-of-the-art 3.5G network.

Dr Amer Al Rawas, MD of Oman MobileOman Mobile, expressed his joy at the launch, saying, "Today is a remarkable day in Oman MobileOman Mobile's history as we are proud to announce the launch of our brand-new 3.5G network. This state-of-the-art network will complement the various other wireless and broadband technologies with which Omantel and Oman MobileOman Mobile are serving the country."

Providing the highest service quality and speed is clearly a main objective of the company, as Dr Amer explains: "Our teams have already finished extensive testing of the network, and I am extremely pleased with the results. Still, this is not enough.

We are now submitting our services to the toughest test panel imaginable: the Sultanate's major corporations. Selected clients will be enjoying superfast mobile broadband, and we will use their feedback to finetune our network and services. Only after these most demanding clients confirm the excellence of our network will we be prepared to go live."

Oman MobileOman Mobile 3.5G network will enable provisioning of new and exciting services to its clients. "Based on extensive market research, we have prepared a host of new services adapted to the mobile lifestyle of our customers. We will reveal information about our services at a later stage; however we can assure our customers that our tariffs will be competitive, simple and transparent, and everyone will be able to enjoy our services", Dr Amer added.

Dr Amer pointed out that coverage is another main priority of the company. "Ubiquitous coverage was always there and will always be the distinguishing factor of Oman MobileOman Mobile. As of today, we have extensive 3.5G coverage in Muscat Governorate, and our implementation teams are already working in each area of Oman. By combining our 3.5G network with our existing EDGE network, we offer our customers seamless coverage, virtually everywhere across the Sultanate." Dr Amer also commented on the timing of the 3.5G launch: "We decided to invest now as the technology has become mature and stable, as is the case with 3.5G and, specifically, HSDPA, offering mobile broadband speeds up to 7.2 Mbps. We did not want to build a network that provided only marginal consumer benefits compared to existing technologies."

"When European and GCC operators deployed the first 3G networks, customer uptake was limited, as the technology was not yet mature. For the customers that opted for rather expensive 3G services, the benefits in terms of speed, services and mobility fell short of expectations", Dr Amer added.

Dr Amer concluded his declaration by thanking the extensive team involved in the project. "I recognise the remarkable work done by the joint Oman MobileOman Mobile and Huawei team responsible for implementing the network in record time. I also would like to extend my sincere thanks to Telecommunication Regulatory Authority and all government entities that were part of the success of this project."

© Times of Oman 2009