Oman’s Minister of Transport and Communications, Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed al Futaisi, has directed the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) to begin the licensing procedure for a third full service telecoms operator. In a social media announcement, the Minister said the move was aimed at increasing competition in the sector, which is currently home to just two fixed line and mobile network operators, majority state-owned Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) and Ooredoo Oman, in which Qatari incumbent Ooredoo holds a 55% stake. In March last year Integrated Telecommunications Oman (TeO) revealed that its sights were set on becoming the Sultanate’s third full service provider, with CEO Gurkan Ozturk telling the Muscat Daily that the firm was keen to offer VoIP services and roll out a direct fibre broadband network.