The number of Internet subscribers rose to more than 90,000 by end-May 2006 auguring well for the government's efforts to create a digital society and launch e-government services in the Sultanate.
Statistics indicated that subscribers of high-speed Internet (ADSL) services climbed to 10,857 compared to 8,165 subscribers by the end of last year. The number of Internet subscribers rose to 85,981 by the end of last year. Omantel attributed the strong growth in Internet subscribers to the overall quality of the service and the attractive tariffs. The number of dial-up subscribers rose to 49,430 by end-May compared to 48,644 by the end of 2005.
The number of prepaid Internet (Al Ufuq) subscribers rose to 23,900 during the first five months of this year, compared to 23,125 during the corresponding period last year. Subscribers of other Internet services increased to 845 from 795 last year. Omantel in cooperation with Oman Mobile recently launched the new wireless Internet 'WiFi' service (Ibhar) for laptop and notebook users. Ibhar, which means surfing in Arabic, has been well received because of its high quality, speed and competitive tariffs.
Quelle/Source: Zawya , 06.07.2006
