MUSCAT – The nationwide project, which began in the third quarter of 2024, was executed in phases, starting in less densely populated areas. The shutdown aimed to enhance the quality of communication services, reallocate frequency bands to more advanced technologies, and improve energy efficiency across the telecom infrastructure.
According to a statement from the TRA, 700 3G stations were closed in the governorates of Al Buraimi, Al Dhahirah, and Musandam in July 2024. This was followed in December 2024 by the closure of 584 stations in the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah, and 864 stations in the governorates of Al Wusta and Dhofar.
In January 2025, 1,835 stations were closed in the governorates of South Al Batinah, North Al Batinah, South Al Sharqiyah, and North Al Sharqiyah. In the second quarter of 2025, 1,699 stations were closed in the Governorate of Muscat, with the temporary exception of some third-generation stations located around Muscat International Airport – for technical reasons.
3G frequency bands were also redirected to support 4G, 5G, and IoT networks, contributing to the upgrade of more than 5,600 stations across various governorates.
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The statement indicated that among the most significant results achieved by the shutdown project was 4G network coverage of 99 percent across the Sultanate of Oman, while 5G coverage reached 90 percent. Annual energy savings exceeding two million kilowatt-hours were also achieved.
The Sultanate of Oman is one of the first countries to successfully shut down its 3G network entirely and transition to more modern technologies.
