MUSCAT : The TRA’s Decision No. 1152/2/30/2025-9 – Regulations for Organizing International Telecommunications Cables – aims to streamline the sector, foster integration with government entities, attract investment, and enhance competition within Oman’s telecommunications landscape.
The TRA stated that these regulations, covering both submarine and terrestrial international telecommunications cables, are part of its ongoing efforts to develop a flexible regulatory environment that can adapt to the rapid advancements within the telecommunications industry. It addresses the licensee and all relevant companies engaged in activities related to international telecommunications cables./’
Key amendments are:
- Determining the regulatory position for the landing of submarine telecommunications cables.
- Organizing all activities related to extending international cables.
- Establishing a central registry of approvals granted to ensure the smooth flow of procedures and their clarity.
The regulations apply to all submarine international telecommunications cables that land or pass through Oman’s territorial sea or exclusive economic zone, as well as terrestrial international telecommunications cables that pass through or have a portion within Omani territory.
Under the new rules, the installation and operation of international telecommunications cables, and the provision of services via these cables within Oman’s land and territorial waters, are restricted to licensed entities. Installing cables within Oman’s exclusive economic zone will require prior approval from the TRA, along with a fee of RO 200,000 for a 15-year approval period, although exemptions may apply if the cable connects to an existing landing or connection station. Similarly, maintenance, repair, and surveying of these cables will require TRA approval and a fee of RO 500, waived for licensees.
The TRA is committed to processing applications within 30 working days of receiving all necessary documentation, which may include no-objection certificates from relevant authorities and potentially an environmental report.
The regulations also establish a framework for administrative penalties for violations, ranging from warnings and financial fines (as per the existing Telecommunications Regulation Law) to the potential cancellation of licenses or approvals. The TRA will also be responsible for resolving disputes arising from the implementation of these new regulations.
Existing entities operating in this sector will have a period of six months from the effective date of the regulations to reconcile their operations with the new provisions.
