MUSCAT : The regulation is aimed at giving consumers greater freedom to choose a telecommunications provider based on factors such as pricing, service quality and network coverage, while also strengthening fair competition across Oman’s telecom market.

Under the new framework, number portability procedures will be more clearly regulated and automated, with defined timelines introduced for completing transfer requests. The move is expected to reduce delays, simplify procedures and improve the overall customer experience.

The regulations also set out the roles, obligations and rights of licensed telecommunications providers and users, while reinforcing the TRA’s supervisory role in ensuring that the service is implemented in accordance with regulatory standards.

According to the Authority, the framework will help improve transparency and efficiency, boost consumer confidence and ensure that number portability services keep pace with developments in Oman’s telecommunications sector.

The regulation follows the launch of a centralised number portability system supervised by the TRA as part of broader efforts to modernise the sector’s regulatory environment, improve service efficiency and ensure greater fairness among licensed operators.

Oman first introduced number portability in 2006, enabling users to move between telecommunications providers without changing their phone numbers. In 2008, the TRA issued regulations setting out the obligations of operators providing the service.

However, with the expansion of Oman’s telecom market and an increase in the number of licensed providers, the Authority identified the need to update the framework after observing practices that affected the efficiency of the service, including delays in processing some portability requests.

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