Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08MUSCAT75
2008-01-30 11:42:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Muscat
Cable title:  

OMAN RESPONSE TO SECTION 1377 TELECOM TRADE

Tags:  ECPS ETRD USTR MU 
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VZCZCXYZ0002
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHMS #0075 0301142
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 301142Z JAN 08
FM AMEMBASSY MUSCAT
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 9192
UNCLAS MUSCAT 000075 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARP, EEB/CIP/BA (TFINTON)
STATE PASS USTR FOR JBUNTIN/CHINCKLEY

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECPS ETRD USTR MU
SUBJECT: OMAN RESPONSE TO SECTION 1377 TELECOM TRADE
AGREEMENT REQUEST

REF: STATE 3689

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000075

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARP, EEB/CIP/BA (TFINTON)
STATE PASS USTR FOR JBUNTIN/CHINCKLEY

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECPS ETRD USTR MU
SUBJECT: OMAN RESPONSE TO SECTION 1377 TELECOM TRADE
AGREEMENT REQUEST

REF: STATE 3689


1. In response to reftel request, Oman's Telecommunications
Regulatory Authority (TRA) has proclaimed itself to be
"technology neutral" with regard to permitting Voice over
Internet Protocol (VOIP) services in Oman, so long as
carriers are licensed to offer them and they can be legally
intercepted. Since the TRA views VOIP as a voice service, as
opposed to a data service, only Class 1 license holders are
eligible to offer VOIP in Oman. The TRA has indicated that
Omantel is the only company in Oman that currently is
licensed to offer such services, but chooses not to do so.
(Note: A copy of Omantel's license is posted on the TRA's
website. End Note). Omantel is the only licensed internet
service provider in Oman, and blocks access to VOIP sites.
In addition, the TRA has issued two stern warnings to
cybercafe owners that the use of VOIP services by clients is
prohibited.


2. The TRA is currently working with a consultant on
reforming its fixed-line infrastructure regulations with a
view toward issuing FTA-compliant telecommunications
licensing regulations. These regulations would complement
its recently promulgated Telecommunications Act. Once the
TRA has received the consultant's recommendations, and has
prepared responses to a series of questions received from
USTR on January 5, it will contact the Embassy to arrange for
a DVC to discuss the outstanding issues.


FONTENEAU