Boost to Vision 2020 and e-services
The new service will contribute to the achievement of National Strategy on eOman society, e-government -- MUSCAT -- Dr Ahmad bin Mohammed al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications, has said that the Council of Ministers' decision to establish a government-owned company for broadband service is a substantial step forward enhancing the telecommunications sector in the Sultanate as the new company will supply optical fibre networks for authorised operators.
"Broad band networks have become as important as roads and electricity networks in many countries and they are seen as part of the basic infrastructure in modern society because of the great role they play in promoting economic and social development, improving living standards and the development of applications and general services that are linked to broad band like e-government, e-health, education and trade services," al Futaisi added.
The minister pointed out that investment in broad band services has become a must and the need is great for having national plans and strategies for spreading broad band networks. Many countries have initiatives that consider broad band as part of basic infrastructure and have thus laid down optical fibre networks, which are on the rise.
Al Futaisi noted that the telecommunications sector in the Sultanate, despite the development it enjoyed in the last few years, is still lagging behind in broad band investment and we need more broad band networks, which was the main reason why a new government company has been established. He added that the new service will contribute to the achievement of National Strategy on eOman society, e-government and Oman the future Economic Vision 2020 that aims to upgrading the Sultanate economically and socially.
Investment in the new field will partly be decided in accordance with the recommendations of the national strategy on broad band, which is currently being drafted at the Ministry in co-operation with all parties concerned, said al Futaisi, adding that the strategy will be submitted to the Council of Ministers in few months. The Transport and Communications Ministry, in collaboration with Telecommunication Regulation Authority (TRA), the Information Technology Authority (ITA) and other relevant bodies are planning to conduct a comprehensive study for the company.
© Oman Daily Observer 2012
