Oman Marks World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2026

Muscat:  The Sultanate of Oman is marking World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, observed annually on 17 May, under the theme “Digital Lifeline: Building Resilience in a Connected World”.

The occasion highlights Oman’s efforts in strengthening digital infrastructure readiness and ensuring the continuity of vital services under various circumstances.

Dr. Saud bin Humaid Al Shuaili, Director General of Policies and Governance and Head of the National Space Programme at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said that the Sultanate of Oman demonstrated the concept of digital resilience during Cyclone Shaheen through the efficiency of the national emergency management system and coordination between government entities and licensed telecommunications companies.

He told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the communications and information technology sector played a key role in supporting relief and response operations by enhancing network readiness, ensuring communication between concerned authorities and delivering alerts and information to citizens and residents in affected areas.

He stressed that achieving digital resilience requires integrated efforts and sustainable investment in flexible infrastructure capable of rapid recovery.

Dr. Al Shuaili added that the Ministry continues to cooperate with its partners to enhance 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 affirmed Oman’s commitment to supporting international efforts led by the International Telecommunication Union to build a more inclusive and resilient digital environment that guarantees communication services for all, particularly during crises and emergencies.

Meanwhile, Omar bin Abdullah Al Qutbi, Vice President of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and representative of the telecommunications sub-sector within the National Emergency Management System, said that the telecommunications sector represents a key component of the national emergency framework amid increasing reliance on communications and information technology services.

He said that the sector has established advanced levels of readiness and resilience through modern infrastructure, regulatory frameworks and integrated business continuity plans that support rapid response and minimise the impact of emergencies on essential services.

He noted that the sector continues to develop its regulatory and operational frameworks by issuing specialised regulations for emergency management and requiring operators to regularly update emergency plans and conduct field exercises to strengthen preparedness.

Al Qutbi explained that the sector relies on flexible technological systems that include backup routes and geographically distributed facilities, in addition to emergency solutions such as local roaming, rerouting communication traffic and broadcasting warnings through mobile phones to ensure rapid delivery of alerts.

He added that the telecommunications sector demonstrated a strong ability to restore and maintain critical services during recovery phases, reflecting Oman’s advanced position in building secure and resilient communications networks.

The communications and information technology sector continues to strengthen its role in supporting Oman Vision 2040 through innovation and the adoption of advanced technologies to achieve sustainable economic and social development.

During 2025, the telecommunications and postal services sectors witnessed further growth, with the number of licensed telecommunications companies reaching 23 companies providing fixed, mobile, international, maritime, infrastructure and encryption services.

The telecommunications sector recorded revenues of RO 918 million during 2023–2024, while investments reached RO 250.5 million.

Mobile phone subscriptions increased to more than 6.5 million in 2025 compared to 6.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, with a penetration rate of 123.5 percent.

Mobile broadband subscriptions exceeded 5.4 million with a penetration rate of 101.5 percent, while fixed broadband subscriptions rose to nearly 599,000 with a penetration rate of about 83 percent.

Fixed telephone subscriptions reached 443,300, with the penetration rate exceeding 61 percent.

Fifth-generation (5G) networks also recorded significant growth 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, representing growth of 23 percent.