Nawras begins second stage of countrywide Network Turbocharging Programme

Nawras is beginning phase two of its countrywide Network Turbocharging programme with work commencing in Quriyat. Customers can look forward to superfast broadband internet speeds as well as wider network coverage including better indoor reach. In September, the programme will continue extending along the Batinah cost from Al Suwaiq towards Shinas as Nawras continues to future proof its network from end to end. During the same period, customers located in Fahud will also start to benefit from the second stage of turbocharging.

All Nawras sites within the city of Salalah are currently being upgraded as capacity is doubled along with the speed of the Nawras 3G+ network. In addition, superfast 4G technology is being deployed within the city of Salalah to support residents and visitors attending the annual Salalah Tourism Festival in August. A comprehensive Turbocharging programme for the entire Dhofar Governorate is an important part of the planned network activities to be completed by the end of next year. 

“We have already delivered a huge difference in the broadband internet experience of our customers living and working in the area covered by the first phase of Network Turbocharging,” explained Nawras Chief Executive, Ross Cormack. “Now we are ready to delight many more customers as we begin the second stage. With faster speeds and greater capacity, Nawras is making it easier and more enjoyable to be online with a prepaid or postpaid broadband internet plan.” 

Nawras has already invested around 60 million Omani Rials in the first phase of   Network Turbocharging. This included upgrading the core network, building many new base stations and adding 3G+ technology to every existing 2G site from Al Bustan to beyond Al Musannah. A second data carrier was added to more than double capacity and speeds. 

In a recent significant move, the operator successfully activated a third 3G+ data carrier on 900 MHz, giving a greatly improved broadband internet experience with enhanced indoor coverage to customers in the first phase of the Network Turbocharging programme. As one of only 70 operators out of approximately 800 worldwide to launch a data carrier on U900, as well as being the first to do so in the Sultanate, Nawras significantly improved its indoor network coverage for customers within the turbocharged area. This will be extended as phase two begins. 

Oman’s customer friendly communications provider now covers over 95% of the population in Muscat Governorate with superfast 3G+. In addition, the latest 4G technology is now available with contiguous coverage in the most densely populated areas of Muscat. The superfast 4G service is also expanding further according to customer requirements. 

Broadband usage has increased considerably in the turbocharged areas as customers enjoy the benefits of the new data speeds and much improved quality of service. Analysis of the first quarter of 2013 reveals that double the number of Nawras mobile broadband customer numbers now use the service when compared to the same time last year. 

Having a much better experience with a wider variety of data plans, more people are now online and benefiting from using Nawras superfast broadband network from their mobile handsets, tablets and smartphones. Whether watching a video on YouTube, downloading a large file or posting a photo on a social media site, the experience is noticeably faster and easier now.  

Broadband penetration is not only important for customers however, it is also beneficial to the country as a whole. According to GSMA figures, on average for every 10 per cent increase in broadband penetration, there is a corresponding 1.6 per cent increase in GDP; these figures show the potential of internet services to contribute to the economy of the Sultanate. 

Nawras is committed to enhancing the daily lives of people in Oman by making communications easier and more versatile by providing innovative solutions to meet the ever-growing needs of customers.