The Ministry of Technology and Communication together with Oman Broadband and Ooredoo launched the high-speed integrated and safe Oman Government Network (OGN) that meets the future demands of e.oman projects, like the G-Cloud, the Official Oman eGovernment Services Portal, the National Data Center and other e.oman infrastructure projects.
Dhafir bin Saif Al-Kalbani, In-charge of Director General of Infrastructure, spoke on behalf of the Ministry of Technology and Communication saying, “The high-speed Oman Government Network replaced the current OGN in 63 government entities in Muscat including all ministry headquarters and some of their main branches in the capital. They were linked using fiber optics network in a way that helps these entities in benefiting from the new network to provide their eServices with a better quality and a speed that reaches 1 GB in all government sites. Moreover, the new network will play a role in upgrading the capacity of the OGN’s ISDN lines and elevating its quality while decreasing the previous costs. Our hope for this network is for it to have a vital role in supporting a quicker digital transformation process in Oman and serving all important sectors like: Health, education, manufacturing, tourism, economy, and other sectors through providing high-quality eServices.”
Eng. Bader Al-Zeidi, general manager of network planning and technology at Oman Broadband said that the project is considered one of the most vital projects in the technology and communication field. “This project aims to enable electronic connectivity between different government entities through a single high efficiency and quality network.” He then added that the company’s role includes building, designing, and maintaining the inactive fiber optics network. About 115 km of fiber was built in the first stage in 18 sites during a 14-month period. In the second stage 458 km of fiber were added in 45 sites in an 18-month period; thus, the total length of the fiber accounted for 573 km covering 63 sites. This project will allow government entities to have access to a high speed and good quality data transfer. This network will be garnered towards 4-IR needs and the applications that accompany it.
Ian Dench, Chief Executive Officer at Ooredoo, said “We are honoured to have been chosen to support the ITA in the implementation of its e.oman mission. We are connecting every ministerial headquarters with independent high-speed network and this agreement is a breakthrough in elevating and improving Oman’s government network; giving enhanced speeds, better security solutions, and cost effective integrated services that will ultimately improve the government‘s eServices provided to citizens. The investment in this high speed network is a clear demonstration of the country’s innovative and forward-looking ICT strategy and desire to be able to adapt to rapidly changing technologies, while preparing for the future.
