Latest news with #TelecommunicationsRegulatoryAuthority
Observer
9 hours ago
- Business
- Observer
Muscat Governorate honours institutions
Muscat Governorate has honoured the entities that have achieved excellence in their mission performance and excelled in service provision, as an example of excellence, commitment, and responsibility. This award was initiated within the Institutional Excellence System, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, as a project to improve the quality of government services, and has been implemented in Muscat Governorate since 2023. Honoured Institutions in 2024: Telecommunications Regulatory Authority Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources The National Museum Al Amal Club- Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth Ministry of Education Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones Consumer Protection Authority
Observer
3 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 If providers can't invest, the whole country is stuck with outdated, unreliable services.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.
Daily Tribune
22-07-2025
- Science
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Space Agency and TRA Discuss Satellite Communication Cooperation
The Bahrain Space Agency team, led by Dr. Mohammed Al-Othman, met with representatives from the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) to explore new areas of cooperation in satellite communications and frequency registration. During the meeting, both sides praised the successful submission of Bahrain's satellite frequency file for the 'Al-Munther' satellite to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which was accepted in accordance with the highest global standards. The achievement reflects the growing technical expertise within both the Space Agency and the TRA. The discussion also covered key topics such as allocating national frequencies for space use, aligning with international guidelines, and keeping pace with Bahrain's rapidly evolving space ambitions. Future collaboration in representing Bahrain at regional and international conferences on satellite frequency allocation was also highlighted. Dr. Al-Othman described the partnership as a vital step in bolstering Bahrain's regional and global standing in the space sector. 'Working together with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority is essential to driving innovation and ensuring that Bahrain's space projects meet international standards,' he said. 'We thank the TRA for their continuous support and for hosting this important meeting.' Engineer Hassan Mohammed, Director of Spectrum Management at TRA, echoed the sentiment. 'This meeting reflects our commitment to supporting the progress of Bahrain's space initiatives and managing spectrum efficiently in line with global best practices,' he said. 'We're excited to keep building on this partnership with the Space Agency to achieve our shared goals.'
Observer
21-07-2025
- Observer
TRA enhances telecom network readiness for Khareef Dhofar
MUSCAT: The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has announced the completion of network readiness in Dhofar Governorate ahead of the Khareef Dhofar Season 2025, ensuring enhanced telecommunications quality and continuity during one of Oman's busiest tourist periods. The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen service infrastructure and deliver a seamless communication experience to the thousands of visitors who flock to Dhofar each year for the monsoon season. TRA confirmed that the enhancements align with national objectives to support digital transformation and elevate the overall telecom experience for residents and tourists alike. As part of the preparations, 33 new stations have been installed - including seven along Sultan Said bin Taimur Road - to expand coverage across the governorate. Additionally, 432 existing telecommunications stations have been upgraded to advanced networks to improve bandwidth efficiency and boost capacity. TRA also noted significant strides in performance and service stability, with 189 station connections upgraded and 31 mobile stations deployed to serve high-traffic and temporary locations. Crucially, 5G technology has now been activated in 108 stations, enhancing speed and network responsiveness. Technical and field teams have been strategically deployed across Dhofar to provide rapid response capabilities in case of any emergency disruptions during the season. Given the surge in tourists during khareef, dependable telecommunications services are vital. TRA emphasised that it will continue to monitor network quality and performance in real time to ensure optimal service levels. Oman continues to make strong progress in digital infrastructure, with Dhofar's seasonal demand serving as a key driver for accelerated technological upgrades.
Muscat Daily
08-07-2025
- Muscat Daily
Illegal Internet sales can lead to RO50,000 fine and/or jail: TRA
Muscat – Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has warned against the growing practice of individuals illegally distributing and selling Internet services, stating that it poses serious risks to network stability and undermines investment in the telecommunications sector. Speaking to a local radio station, Al Muatasim al Ghazali, Director of Frequencies Monitoring and Inspection Department at TRA, said such practices are a clear violation of the Telecommunications Regulatory Law. He explained that some individuals subscribe to Internet services from licensed operators and then redistribute them to neighbours, relatives or nearby shops without obtaining legal permission. 'This results in unauthorised networks that cause radio interference, which in turn weakens Internet quality and speed.' Ghazali noted that these illegal activities not only affect the quality of services provided but also cause direct financial loss to licensed operators, impacting their ability to maintain a stable and reliable digital infrastructure across the sultanate. Violators could face imprisonment of up to two years and/or a fine of up to RO50,000. Ghazali added that TRA has developed advanced monitoring systems in cooperation with licensed service providers to detect and trace unauthorised networks. He called on the public to report such violations, stressing the importance of compliance with the law to safeguard service quality, protect national investments, and ensure a secure and equitable technological environment for all.
