As part of its broader research and development strategy, Omantel has partnered with FiberHome, a leading Chinese technology provider, to establish a joint research and development center dedicated to advancing intelligent solutions in next-generation fiber networks and telecommunications technologies.
This strategic collaboration supports Omantel’s vision to bridge industrial expertise with academic research, fostering a dynamic ecosystem for innovation and technology entrepreneurship in Oman. The initiative plays a vital role in driving the nation’s digital transformation and enabling a knowledge-based economy.
Commenting on the partnership, Talal Al Mamari, CEO of Omantel, said:
“Omantel continues to expand its investments in R&D across the technology and digital sectors, recognizing the importance of staying ahead in a fast-changing digital landscape. We are committed to embracing global innovation and developing future-ready solutions that fuel our sustainable growth and meet the evolving needs of our customers. This joint center is a testament to that commitment. It will serve as a high-tech platform to design and test forward-looking solutions for Oman and the wider region. Partnering with a global leader like FiberHome enhances our capabilities to build smarter, more efficient networks and deliver commercially viable technologies. We are confident this initiative will strengthen our position both regionally and globally.”
Joe Cai, Vice President of FiberHome, said: “We are proud to join forces with Omantel in launching this innovation center, which marks a new milestone in FiberHome’s long-term engagement with Oman and the Middle East. The lab will leverage our global R&D strength to develop advanced smart network solutions, including next-generation technologies like 50GPON and AI-powered network management. This partnership also promotes talent development and deeper collaboration between academia and industry, both essential pillars for sustainable digital growth.”
The center will serve as an integrated platform, bringing together academic insight and real-world expertise. It will link Chinese institutions such as Wuhan University and FiberHome’s research hubs with Omantel’s operational capabilities and local partners to accelerate the development and deployment of intelligent solutions.
As part of the collaboration, the two companies have successfully conducted a live trial of 50GPON technology, achieving speeds of up to 50 gigabits per second—ten times faster than current fiber technologies. The trial highlights the potential for delivering ultra-high-speed connectivity to support edge computing, artificial intelligence, smart cities, and Industry 4.0 applications, cornerstones of the digital economy. The center will focus on developing intelligent solutions for the operation and maintenance of telecom networks, emphasizing the creation of functional prototypes ready for real-world deployment in local and regional markets. This opens new horizons for innovation and customizing technologies to meet the evolving demands of the next digital phase.
This partnership marks a significant step in Omantel’s innovation roadmap, placing advanced technology at the heart of economic and social development. It reinforces Omantel’s leadership in digital transformation and its role in delivering sustainable, forward-thinking solutions that empower industries across the Sultanate.
Source: Omantel Press Release
