The fourth industrial revolution is set to propel a new era where technologies revolutionize sectors and create exceptional opportunities. Artificial intelligence, Big Data, IoT, Machine learning, robotics, among others, have proven to have an unprecedented but significant direct and sometimes indirect impact on all industries. The Sultanate of Oman has been tirelessly working towards improving its ICT and telecommunications sector in order to smoothly implement its fourth industrial revolution plan.
In order to achieve a complete and effective digital transformation, partnerships are a key component. In the case of Oman, one of the many important partnerships that highlight the Sultanate’s keenness to boost the country’s digitalization, is one between a leading global telecom operator and Omani investment funds. Oman has been searching for a strategic partner for its telecom sector for the last few years. Following an intense competitive process putting the best international telecom operators against one another, it has ultimately decided to collaborate with British international giant Vodafone to obtain the third mobile license in Oman.
In fact Vodafone has signed an MoU for a partnership agreement with a consortium comprised of local investment funds, led by ITQAN Tech Development LLC (a subsidiary of Oman 70 Holding), which is seeking to launch a new mobile operator in Oman in 2020. The scope of services proposed covers technical and commercial support for the launch of the new operator, using the brand name of Vodafone and extending the benefits of the Vodafone group to the third operator in Oman. Vodafone would not hold an equity interest in the consortium.
This strategic partnership aims to uphold the economic activity and empower citizens, with a view to lift the Sultanate to be among the world leaders when it comes to digital development.