Muscat - FRiENDi Mobile, the largest mobile reseller in the sultanate, is planning to expand its network of branches and shops across the sultanate, and also looking to launch 4G services in the future, senior company officials have announced.
Addressing a press conference at the company's new office in Assalah Tower in Ghubra, Martin Glud, CEO of FRiENDi Oman, said that the mobile reseller's customer base will soon reach 500,000, and the new office is a strategic move towards expansion and growth.
The company, Oman's first mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), moved to its new, bigger premises recently.
He said, "We have seen consistent growth since the launch of FRiENDi five years ago. We have upgraded our technical platform and increased the capacity to address customers' needs. We are planning to have fully branded shops across Oman in future. There will be significant investment in the expansion.
"The larger new office will lay the platform for the company to be better positioned for future growth and it will also enhance customer service."
Glud also said that FRiENDi holds over 70 per cent market share among Oman's mobile resellers.
The timing of the 4G service launch will depend on factors such as 4G handsets ownership levels and roll-out of 4G network across the country. "We will find the right time to launch 4G service when we see we can add value for the customers."
FRiENDi Mobile is part of Virgin Mobile Middle East and Africa (VMME). "We have support from and access to Virgin Mobile's global expertise. If we see opportunity in future, then there is an option to bring the Virgin brand to Oman," the CEO said.
Eng Adnan al Alawi, chief operating officer of FRiENDi Oman, said that the company plans to have branches in all major cities across governorates. "FRiENDi Oman currently has three branches with the fourth one to open very soon. We will have a total of five branches by the end of this year. We also have a vast network of dealers and distributors all over the country who are doing very well," Eng Alawi said.
He said that mobile data segment has become a major growth driver for telecom players. "We have been seeing a phenomenal double-digit growth in the data segment since 2011. We have also seen growth in the international calls under the voice segment in recent years. With a growing young population, there is an opportunity for further growth in Oman's market."
Glud announced that 2015 will see more exciting launches from FRiENDi, ranging from new products to new services for the end user.
© Muscat Daily 2014
