The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) announced the establishment of Omani Information Technology and Communications Group, an entity owned by State General Reserve Fund.
The new group includes Oman Broadband Company, Oman Towers Company, Blockchain Company, Space Communication Technologies Company and other IT&C that may be established by the government in partnership with the private sector.
Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications said that the establishment of the Omani Information Technology and Communications Group aims to create an investment arm for the government in partnership with the private sector to implement IU&C strategies, as well as the 4th industrial revolution initiatives. He pointed out that the Group will provide strategic and financial subsidy.
He added that the works of the group are divided into four fields the first of which is related to IT&C infrastructure and platforms. The second field is related to cybersecurity and the third one is related to building digital economy by establishing specialised companies and national capacities to provide smart applications, such as Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, robotics and blockchain. The fourth field is related to an excellence centre specialised in development and investment in SMEs.
As for the satellite project, the Minister of Transport and Communications said that the Ministry in cooperation with the State General Reserve Fund as an investment entity to establish a space communication company that will take necessary measures to implement the satellite project.
All technical and contracting works that were initiated by the Ministry have been transferred to the new company which has already started carrying out strategic and commercial studies including developing the strategic implementation plan to meet the needs of the Sultanate with relation to satellite communications. The stage is expected to be completed during the 2nd quarter of this year.
It should be noted that besides Omani Information Technology and Communications Group, the Ministry of Transport and Communications has established three other groups namely Oman Global Logistic Group (Asyad), Oman Aviation Group.
Now each sector has a group that includes all companies at the sector at which the government has holding. This will reduce the financial cost, enhance revenues and create more specialised jobs for job seekers.