The operator paid almost $25M for spectrum in both 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands
Mobile operator Ooredoo has acquired additional 4G LTE spectrum in Oman in a move to boost 4G coverage across the Sultanate. The telco paid OMR 9.6 million ($24.9 million) for spectrum in the 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum bands, which will bring better indoor coverage to customers as well as significantly faster download speeds.
Ooredoo said that the new spectrum will be funded with the company’s own cash-flow.
The mobile company has been carrying out an extensive network modernization program, which has been underway for the last three years. Under this program, the operator aims to expand its mobile network into new locations with a focus on providing coverage to more remote areas of the Sultanate.
“This new spectrum will significantly boost indoor 4G coverage and enable its cost-effective and faster expansion outside of city areas. Our customers will be able to use 4G in many more areas and benefit from higher data speeds,” Ooredoo CEO Greg Young said.
“This additional investment future-proofs our network investment with the necessary spectrum to underpin cost-effective capacity increases to keep pace with accelerating 4G demand, and the introduction of 4.5G will deliver an even faster user experience.” Ooredoo demonstrated its 4.5G technology with access speeds of up to 200 Mbps earlier this year.
In Oman, Ooredoo posted revenue of QAR 1.19 billion ($326.8 million) for the first half of 2015, up 12% compared to the same period in 2014. The operator’s net profits for the period reached QAR 210 million, climbing 18% year-on-year. Total mobile subscribers increased by 11% year-on-year to 2.8 million at the end of June.
Qatar-based telecom group Ooredoo operates in Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Tunisia, Algeria, Iraq, Indonesia, Myanmar and the Maldives. Ooredoo Oman, which launched commercial operations in March 2005, represented approximately 7.5% of the group’s overall revenue in the first half of the year.
