Business & Finance Club - Muscat : Nawras, Oman's second operator, launched its fixed-line voice and broadband services for consumers, using a combination of fibre and WiMAX technology, on July 20.
Nawras, which launched fixed services for businesses in May, said that its fixed network already covers some 54% of households, and that it hopes to increase this to more than 80% by 2011 as it seeks to take market share from incumbent operator, Omantel.
By using WiMAX technology, Nawras said that customers can set up internet access "within minutes". To access the service, customers need to register with a Nawras dealer, buy a modem, and plug it into their computer at home.
Postpaid packages start from 15 Omani riyals a month, which includes a 6 GB data allowance with speeds of up to 1 Mbps. For 5 Omani riyals a week, prepaid customers can enjoy a 2 GB data allowance with speeds of up to 1 Mbps.
Nawras said that customers who sign up for fixed services before this October 13 will receive double data allowances for free and 50% off on Nawras broadband modems as part of its launch promotion.
Nawras said that a fixed telephone connection is provided free with every broadband Internet connection, allowing customers to benefit from cheaper international calls. Customers can also benefit from Nawras Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service, giving further discounts to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.
Nawras plans to invest 150 million Omani riyals ($390 million) in the next two years to expand fixed line services, of which it has already invested more than 100 million Omani riyals.
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