Oman Telecommunications Company, known as Omantel, is the pioneer telecommunications company in Oman. Established as the country's primary provider of internet services, it has contributed significantly to the nation's telecommunication infrastructure. The company is majority owned by the government of Oman, which holds a 51% share. In the past, Omantel has made strategic acquisitions to expand its influence and reach. In 2008, it acquired a 65% stake in WorldCall Pakistan. Later, in 2017, Omantel bought a 12.1% stake in Zain Group for $2.19 billion, becoming its second largest shareholder with a 21.9% stake. Omantel has also invested in submarine cables, strengthening its position as a major international hub. The company continues to innovate, being the first in Oman to launch a 5G network.
Alias
Oman Telecommunications Company S.A.O.G.
Country
Oman
Type
Mobile Network Operator
Omantel logo

3G Network

The company implemented 2G GSM over 900 MHz in 1996, and launched 3G UMTS services in March 2009 over B1 (2100 MHz). Omantel's 3G network was upgraded to HSPA+ in 2011, and B8 (900 MHz) added in certain areas in December 2013.

Network Frequency Band Status
B1 (2100 MHz)
Active
B8 (900 MHz)
Active
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 3G Network
Launch

4G Network

4G LTE began in July 2012 with the activation of a TDD B40 (2300 MHz) service. The network was expanded shortly after with a B3 (1800 MHz) carrier in December that year. In April 2015 Omantel announced commercial launch of LTE-Advanced with up to 200 Mbps theoretical peak downlink. The company secured additional B7 (2600 MHz) and B20 (800 MHz) spectrum in August 2015, however service activation is unclear.

LTE-A Pro trials were conducted in May 2016, with the company successfully demonstrating peak data rates in excess of 1 Gbps.

4G Frequency Bands
Network Frequency Band Max. Channel Bandwidth Status
B3 (1800 MHz)
20
Active
B7 (2600 MHz)
20
Unconfirmed
B20 (800 MHz)
10
Active
B40 (2300 MHz)
20
Active
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 4G Network
Launch

5G Network

In partnership with Ericsson, the company showcased 25 Gbps mmWave 5G in November 2017. Omantel was awarded 100 MHz in the 3400 to 3500 MHz band in late 2018 for the purposes of implementing an n78 (3500 MHz) 5G network. In March 2019 the company confirmed network readiness for 5G, following with an official launch in December that year.

Network Frequency Band Max. Channel Bandwidth Status
n78 (3500 MHz)
100
Active
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 5G Network
Launch