Latest news with #TRA
Observer
5 hours ago
- Business
- Observer
Top performing service providers get awards
Muscat Governorate, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, honoured the best public service providers in Muscat Governorate for 2024. This initiative aims to encourage ministries and public authorities to excel in providing the best services to the people. The event was held under the auspices of Ahmed bin Mohammed al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality. Eight public service providers were recognised for reaching the highest levels of excellence in delivering government services in Muscat Governorate. This event is part of an effort to strengthen the institutional excellence system and motivate entities to improve performance efficiency and the quality of government services. The winners included the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the National Museum, Al Amal Club - the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Ministry of Education, the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, and the Consumer Protection Authority. The selection process was based on a comprehensive evaluation that considered performance indicators, operational efficiency and beneficiary satisfaction surveys. Ahmed bin Mohammed al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, expressed that this recognition acknowledges the sincere efforts and commitment of the institutions to provide excellent services to citizens and residents. He highlighted that the honoured entities serve as role models for performance excellence and emphasised that service excellence is a result of a culture of continuous learning in the workplace. He also mentioned that Muscat Governorate, within the framework of decentralisation and strengthening the roles of governorates, aims to monitor service quality and oversee the implementation of development plans. This is done by evaluating the performance of service outlets in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure alignment with the priorities of Oman Vision 2040. Muscat Governorate values the honoured entities for their effective commitment to institutional work methodologies and a culture of sustainable improvement. Muscat Governorate appreciates the efforts of the honoured government agencies and emphasises the importance of sharing successful experiences to enhance government performance in line with the goals of Oman Vision 2040. This will contribute to an efficient government sector and quality services that meet the aspirations of society.
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Cracking down on illegal Wi-Fi networks is key for Oman's futureCracking down on illegal Wi-Fi networks is key for Oman's future
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has been active across Muscat and beyond, conducting field inspections and seizing illegal wireless equipment. At first glance, it may sound like routine regulatory exercise. But in reality, it's a critical step to protect Oman's digital economy and the security of our online lives. Across neighbourhoods, unauthorised wireless networks are being set up — people sharing or selling Internet connections without a licence. It might seem harmless, even helpful. But in truth, these illegal networks are damaging: they degrade service quality, undermine telecom investments and expose users to cyber threats. Let's start with the basics. These unlicensed setups interfere with legitimate signals, slowing down speeds for paying customers. That's not just frustrating — it's unfair. Students, families and businesses all rely on stable Internet to get through the day. Unauthorised connections sabotage that. Worse still, they threaten long-term infrastructure development. Licensed providers depend on subscription revenue to fund upgrades — fibre networks, 5G rollouts and expanded coverage. Illegal reselling eats into that income. If providers can't invest, the whole country is stuck with outdated, unreliable services. This comes at a time when Oman's digital economy is expanding rapidly. The telecom sector grew over 15% this year, and there are now more than 8 million mobile subscriptions in a population of 4.5 million. The national goal is to increase the digital sector's share of GDP from 3% to 10% by 2040. But reaching that target depends on protecting the very infrastructure that supports it. It's also about fairness. Illegal Wi-Fi often appears in areas where residents are looking for cheaper options. That's understandable. But these shortcuts distort the market, discourage healthy competition and degrade quality for everyone. In trying to save, users end up with slower speeds, higher risks and fewer choices. Security is another major concern. When users connect to unlicensed networks, they're effectively handing over their data to an unknown operator. Emails, passwords, financial information — all can be compromised. Oman has already seen a rise in cyber scams this year, from phishing to identity theft. Many of these crimes start with illegally accessed data. Oman currently ranks among the world's top countries in cybersecurity, scoring 97 out of 100 in the Global Cybersecurity Index. But rogue networks create loopholes in that system. They're not just individual risks — they weaken the national digital firewall. There's also a legal risk. If someone uses your shared connection for illegal activity — hacking, pirated content, or worse — the consequences could fall on you. That's not a theoretical problem; it's a real one. That's why the TRA's crackdown is necessary. The law clearly prohibits operating telecom services without a licence, with penalties reaching up to RO 50,000 or jail time. But enforcement is only part of the effort. The TRA is also using detection tools, monitoring traffic patterns with licensed providers, and encouraging the public to report suspicious activity. Importantly, they're positioning this campaign not just as punishment, but as public education. Following the rules isn't just compliance — it's civic responsibility. At the same time, Oman is addressing the root causes. The national fibre rollout aims to reach 75% of buildings this year. Increased competition is helping to lower prices. And new policies for 2025 will continue modernising the sector. Oman's digital future depends on trust, rule of law and shared responsibility. Illegal shortcuts damage all three. Internet access for all is a national goal — but it must be achieved securely, legally and fairly. By acting today, Oman is building a safer, more connected future for every citizen.
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Irish Independent
Teacher banned indefinitely for having sex in art classroom
Liyarna Beamish (39) had taught at Ribston Hall High School in Gloucestershire since 2016 and had engaged in an affair with a fellow teacher for two years before it was uncovered last summer. The school was contacted by a third party on June 26, 2024, who informed school authorities that Ms Beamish had been engaging in sexual intercourse during school hours. They were also shown screenshots of messages sent between the two teachers. The messages were sexual in nature and had been sent during the working day. During an investigatory meeting, Ms Beamish admitted having sex on school premises, and confirmed messages on WhatsApp showed the two organising their liaisons. Couple of years – multiple occasions When asked on how many occasions had this happened, she replied: 'Couple of years – multiple occasions.' Ms Beamish also responded that the couple had engaged in sexual intercourse in the 'art room, and two art cupboards, both doors locked, downstairs door locked as well'. She was referred to the UK's Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA). The TRA panel examining the case concluded that Ms Beamish's behaviour had been 'sexually motivated' and had fallen 'very far short of the standard of behaviour' required in the teaching profession. It was also found that she had shown 'limited evidence of insight and/or remorse'. The report concluded: 'For these reasons, the panel was satisfied that the conduct of Ms Beamish amounted to misconduct of a serious nature which fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession. 'Accordingly, the panel was satisfied that Ms Beamish was guilty of unacceptable professional conduct.' She has now been banned from teaching indefinitely in any educational institution, but can apply for the prohibition order to be removed in two years.
Sunday World
4 days ago
- Sunday World
Teacher banned indefinitely for having sex in art classroom during school hours
The school were shown screenshots of messages sent between the two teachers. A teacher at an all-girls grammar school in south-west England has been banned from teaching for having sex with a colleague on multiple occasions in an art classroom. Liyarna Beamish (39) had taught at Ribston Hall High School in Gloucestershire since 2016 and had engaged in an affair with a fellow teacher for two years before it was uncovered last summer. The school was contacted by a third party on June 26, 2024, who informed school authorities that Ms Beamish had been engaging in sexual intercourse during school hours. They were also shown screenshots of messages sent between the two teachers. The messages were sexual in nature and had been sent during the working day. During an investigatory meeting, Ms Beamish admitted having sex on school premises, and confirmed messages on WhatsApp showed the two organising their liaisons. Couple of years – multiple occasions When asked on how many occasions had this happened, she replied: 'Couple of years – multiple occasions.' Ms Beamish also responded that the couple had engaged in sexual intercourse in the 'art room, and two art cupboards, both doors locked, downstairs door locked as well'. She was referred to the UK's Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA). The TRA panel examining the case concluded that Ms Beamish's behaviour had been 'sexually motivated' and had fallen 'very far short of the standard of behaviour' required in the teaching profession. Stock image: Getty News in 90 Seconds - July 26th It was also found that she had shown 'limited evidence of insight and/or remorse'. The report concluded: 'For these reasons, the panel was satisfied that the conduct of Ms Beamish amounted to misconduct of a serious nature which fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession. 'Accordingly, the panel was satisfied that Ms Beamish was guilty of unacceptable professional conduct.' She has now been banned from teaching indefinitely in any educational institution, but can apply for the prohibition order to be removed in two years.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Teacher banned from the classroom after having sex with colleague in art room during school day
A teacher at an all-girls grammar school in Gloucestershire has been banned from teaching for having sex with a colleague on multiple occasions in an art classroom. Liyarna Beamish, 39, had taught at Ribston Hall High School since 2016 and had engaged in an affair with a fellow teacher for two years before it was uncovered last summer. The school was contacted by a third-party on 26 June 2024, who informed them that Ms Beamish had been engaging in sexual intercourse during school hours. They were also shown screenshots of messages sent between the two teachers, which were sexual in nature and had been sent during the working day. During an investigatory meeting, she admitted having sex on school premises, and confirmed messages on WhatsApp showed the two organising their liaisons. When asked on how many occasions had this occurred, she replied: 'Couple of years - multiple occasions'. She also responded that they had engaged in sexual intercourse in the 'art room, and two art cupboards, both doors locked, downstairs door locked as well'. Having been referred to the TRA, the panel concluded that her behaviour had been 'sexually motivated' and that her behaviour had fallen 'very far short of the standard of behaviour' that was required in the profession. It was also found that she had shown 'limited evidence of insight and/or remorse'. The report concluded: 'For these reasons, the panel was satisfied that the conduct of Ms Beamish amounted to misconduct of a serious nature which fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession. Accordingly, the panel was satisfied that Ms Beamish was guilty of unacceptable professional conduct.' She has now been banned from teaching indefinitely in any educational institution, but can apply for the prohibition order to be removed in two years.
