Broad consensus for the broadband sector in Oman was reached concerning the importance to improve Broadband access and enhance the Information and Communication Infrastructure (ICT), at a meeting that included some of the most influential leaders in the ICT industry in Oman. The meeting was organized by Swedish Trade and Invest Council and the Embassy of Sweden in Riyadh in collaboration with Omani Ministry of Transport and Communication and Ericsson.

The event was headed by H.E. Dr. Hamad Bin Salim Al Rawahi, CEO of Telecom Regulatory Authority and H.E. Ambassador Jonas Hafström, Special Advisor to the Swedish Minister for Trade.

The closed conference, which was held in connection with the ICT Conference and Exhibition, COMEX Oman 2014, was also attended by key officials and leading companies from Sweden and Oman.

Information and Communication Technology, ICT, is transforming the way of living and creates new opportunities for development. Drawing on the similarities in challenges faced when developing their broadband infrastructure, both relating to geographical and population sizes, coverage of rural areas and the ambitious targets established, Sweden and Oman have strong mutual interests in knowledge-sharing.

At the conference, speakers from companies and organisations from both Sweden and Oman discussed ways to evolve and transform the development of broadband infrastructure in the Sultanate and how what services can a well-established network of high and stable capacity enable. The panels will consist of companies and organisations from both Sweden and Oman.

Sweden is the highest ranked country globally in terms of connectivity, digital economy and e-governance and has a strong tradition in innovation particularly in the ICT industry. Swedish companies are perceived as innovate, reliable and good partners.

Key Swedish organizations that participated in the panels are:

Ericsson

Ericsson is the driving force behind the Networked Society – a world leader in communications technology and services. The company’s long-term relationships with every major telecom operator in the world allow people, businesses and societies to fulfil their potential and create a more sustainable future.  Ericsson’s services, software and infrastructure – especially in mobility, broadband and the cloud – are enabling the telecom industry and other sectors to do better business, increase efficiency, improve the user experience and capture new opportunities.  Ericsson has been present in Oman for more than 40 years.

STOKAB

Develops a competition neutral infrastructure able to meet future communications needs, stimulate competition, promote diversity, offer freedom of choice and minimize the need for excavation, owned by the city of Stockholm

SOS Alarm

Develops societal services from the perspective of broad crisis preparedness through efficient information management