24/09/2020
Last-Mile-Connectivity
As per the
Governments directives to support the SMEs and provide job opportunities to the
Omanis’ youth, The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has started
the implementation of an initiative aiming to optimize last mile connectivity;
the final leg of the telecommunications network that delivers services to
residents. The project is titled, localizing the workforce of the
Last-Mile-Connectivity Service. Changes in last mile connectivity (LMC) have
become necessary due to several factors. First, many jobs have been filled by
untrained non-Omanis which contributes to unemployment levels among Omanis.
Second, the number of companies performing services has created unhealthy
competition by lowering prices beyond a sustainable level for well-established
businesses to survive. Third, there has been very little regulation in the LMC
sector, which has affected the quality of services provided.
The objectives
of this project are:
·
Increase the employment of Omanis in the ICT sector
·
Encourage potential start-ups in the ICT sector
·
Train, develop and enhance the technical capabilities of Omanis in this
field
·
Regulate and enhance quality in this service
·
Increase customer satisfaction ratios
The project
would open new opportunities for fresh graduates and engage many SMEs in the
telecom industry directly with the licensed operators.” The first phase started
in early 2018, In which, several concerned stakeholders like the telecom
operators, Oman development Bank, the National Business Centre, SME Authority
(Riadah), and others have been working jointly to develop a strategic framework
and governance policies to regulate the LMC services and to accelerate national
development of Omanis.
The second
phase of the project is to create a pilot program that is open to Omani small
to medium enterprises (SMEs) that will develop a business through Oman’s local
business training incubator programs and through hands on technical training in
performing LMC services. These companies will be primarily operated and run by
Omanis which will help to increase opportunities for citizens and decrease
unemployment numbers. The program will also prepare the way for more local
businesses to participate in the ongoing national development occurring within
the Sultanate of Oman. The licensed telecom operators Omantel, Ooredoo, Oman
Broadband and Awser Oman have shown their commitment to support these SMEs by
giving them a number of monthly orders for broadband installation.
Due to these
developments, Oman Fiber Optic Company has become a partner in the project by
developing training programs and providing facilities for the program
participants to become certified in providing LMC services. There are currently
seventeen (17) SME companies and around sixty (60) individuals who completed
the training and certification process offered through Oman Fiber at their
facilities in Muscat. The completion of this project will greatly benefit the
citizens of Oman and is a key project in the ongoing work to develop national
capacity in the ICT sector.
