Page 64 - SAMENA Trends - April-May 2021

ARTICLE SAMENA TRENDS

Be it customer service, ICT Development. The ITU WTISD thus is Target 1.7 (Growth): By 2023, 40% of the
not just a day to be observed. Still, a larger
population should be interacting with
infrastructure expansion goal to which several goals and targets government services online
or nation-building activity, are interlinked, isthe basis of the telecom Omantel’s success: When Oman launched
Omantel has been provider’s overall socio-economic and the e-Government initiative two decades
back, it banked on the power of Omantel,
environmental responsibility.
pushing the boundaries of the Sultanate’s first and leading integrated
innovation through ICT-led The five goals are Growth, Inclusiveness, services provider. Today, the most
Sustainability, Innovation and Partnership.
significant proportion of the Sultanate’s
initiatives that create a The targets therein particularly contribute government services have gone digital.
fertile ground for the socio- to digital transformation in the framework With the COVID-19 pandemic, the reach
of the Connect 2030 Agenda.
has been more comprehensive.
economic ecosystem to
flourish. Omantel, when it first charted its ICT TARGET 3.1 (Sustainability): By 2023,
policy, laid its core foundations on these improve cybersecurity preparedness of
For a moment, let us disconnect digital important goals and the targets of focus. countries, with key capabilities: presence
transformation from the demands of the These are reflected in every strategic and of strategy, national computer incident/
pandemic and understand its core purpose. innovation step Omantel takes towards emergency response teams and legislation
The ITU states that digital transformation digital transformation, powered by the Omantel’s success: Relying on its well-
is a means to deliver an efficient, government’s dedication to deliver services established ecosystem, ICT solutions,
accountable, transparent, and auditable and solutions in a coordinated, efficient high ability to manage its digital services
way to the benefit of all. It implies applying and equitable manner. Omantel has, as and monitor data centres as well as its
and/or updating the technology we use the ITU professes, continued to leverage regional and global partnerships with
and creating a culture that embraces telecommunications/ICTs by developing top companies in cybersecurity, Omantel
new digital technologies that improve the digital policies and strategies to adapt and has boosted cybersecurity and lowered
efficiency and effectiveness of people in respond timely and effectively to different potential attacks. Furthermore, Omantel
their daily life and business. As a leading challenges that may occur. has launched a round-the-clock cyber
ITU member, Omantel has exemplified defence centre that uses AI to respond to
these through its offerings in ordinary and Target 1.4 (Growth): By 2023, all countries security incidents. These efforts and more
challenging times as it has been a proactive adopt a digital agenda/strategy have been recognised by the GSMA, which
party to the Union’s shared global vision Omantel’s success: Oman has a robust called Omantel a case study on combatting
where telecommunications/ICTs enable digital policy in place with relevant legis- cybersecurity and electronic piracy.
and accelerate social, economical and lation. Omantel’s strategic manoeuvres
environmentally sustainable growth and in terms of technology and infrastructure Target 3.5 (Sustainability): By 2023,
development for everyone. through the years have brought the coun- all countries should have a National
Be it customer service, infrastructure try’s digitisation drive this far in terms of Emergency Telecommunication Plan as
expansion or nation-building activity, connectivity and internet access. part of their national and local disaster risk
Omantel has been pushing the boundaries
of innovation through ICT-led initiatives
that create a fertile ground for the socio-
economic ecosystem to flourish. These
initiatives are shaping Oman’s future on
the anvil of ICT technology, knowledge, and
innovation.
Speaking on the WTISD and its 2021 theme,
Talal Said Al Mamari, Chief Executive of
Omantel said, Omantel’s actions are not
just linked to Oman’s overall growth, and
the ITU global vision and working towards
objectives of the UN Decade of Action to
achieve the United Nations' 2030 Agenda
for Sustainable Development and its 17
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Omantel shares common strategy with
ITU members, which is the Connect 2030
Agenda for Global Telecommunication/

64 APRIL-MAY 2021