The deal covers fully managed end-to-end multivendor operations services including nationwide network operations, as well as field support and maintenance for Omantel's fixed-line access, 2G, 3G, 4G and future 5G access. Ericsson has been an Omantel managed services partner since 2016.

The deal includes Network Functions Virtualization (NFVi) and the deployment of automation platforms to allow Omantel to increase operational network efficiency and further enhance customer experiences for subscribers.

Ericsson will enable Omantel to lower operational expenses as well as help create sustainable differentiation by evolving from a network-centric operations focus to a user-experience-centric operations focus anchored by Ericsson’s automation use cases.

Talal Said Al Mamari, CEO, Omantel, says: “Expanding our long-term partnership with Ericsson with the implementation of its innovative solutions is in line with our strategy to focus on our core business of providing a convergence of communications, and information to our customers and to deliver the best possible service to our growing customer base.  The deal covers network operations and field maintenance for Omantel's multivendor mobile networks, including access and core technologies. We at Omantel work with international companies such as Ericsson to bring extensive management Services expertise to our network.” 

Fadi Pharaon, President, Ericsson Middle East and Africa, says: “This agreement reinforces our long-standing partnership and commitment to Omantel. It will enable us to evolve Omantel’s network from a network-centric to a user-experience-centric network leveraging Ericsson’s automation use cases. This will create a differentiated experience for Omantel’s subscribers.”