Oman's Mobile Subscriptions Reach 8.3 Million, Driven by IoT and Postpaid Growth

Total mobile telecommunications subscriptions in Oman increased by 1.3% to reach 8,324,406 by the end of June 2026. This growth was reported by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), noting the expansion of mobile connectivity across the Sultanate. The figures indicate a continued upward trend in mobile adoption within the country, reflecting ongoing developments in the telecommunications sector. The full data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) provides a detailed overview of the market's performance during this period.

Mobile Segment Shifts

Active postpaid mobile subscriptions in Oman increased by 6.2%, reaching a total of 1,313,837 by the end of June 2026. This notable growth in postpaid services suggests a rising preference among consumers for contract-based plans, which often include bundled services and greater data allowances. This expansion in the postpaid segment contrasts with a decline observed in the prepaid segment. Active prepaid mobile subscriptions saw a decrease of 2.1% during the same period. Despite this decline, prepaid subscriptions still represent the majority of the market, totaling 5,305,401. This substantial figure shows the continued importance of prepaid options, particularly for flexibility and cost control for a large segment of the population. The figures indicate a clear shift in subscriber preferences or market strategies, with postpaid services gaining ground while prepaid subscriptions experience a reduction. The National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) provided these details as part of its recent telecommunications sector report, offering valuable insights into the dynamics of Oman's mobile market.

Broadband and IoT Expansion

Internet of Things (IoT) machine-to-machine (M2M) services subscriptions in Oman recorded a significant 9.3% increase, reaching 1,705,168 by the end of June 2026. This strong growth in IoT M2M services notes the increasing integration of connected devices across various sectors, from industrial applications to smart city initiatives. The expansion of IoT is a key driver for future digital transformation in the Sultanate. Total active mobile broadband subscriptions also saw a slight increase of 0.3%, reaching 5,534,086 during the same period. This indicates a steady, albeit modest, expansion in mobile internet access for individual users.

Fixed broadband subscriptions stood at 591,630, marking a 0.5% increase compared to the end of June 2025. This incremental growth points to a stable demand for fixed-line internet services. Fiber-to-the-Home/Building (FTTH/B) subscriptions increased by a strong 7.4%, reaching 364,487 by the end of June 2026. The continued deployment and adoption of FTTH/B technology show the nationwide effort to enhance high-speed internet infrastructure. Satellite broadband subscriptions experienced a significant surge of 134.3%, reaching 1,696. While a smaller segment, this dramatic rise suggests improved accessibility or new applications for satellite-based internet, especially in remote or underserved areas. International internet bandwidth expanded by 31.8%, reaching 5.382 million Mbps by the end of June 2026, reflecting increased data consumption and connectivity demands.

Fixed-Line and Legacy Services

Fixed 5G subscriptions in Oman declined by 2.5%, reaching 210,125 by the end of June 2026. This slight decrease in fixed 5G subscriptions may suggest a re-evaluation of deployment strategies or consumer adoption patterns for this relatively new technology. Fixed 4G subscriptions saw a sharper decrease of 73%, totaling 5,666. This substantial decline indicates a clear migration away from fixed 4G solutions, likely towards more advanced fiber options or mobile broadband alternatives. Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) services subscriptions also fell by 20.9% to 8,933, continuing the trend of phasing out older, slower copper-based technologies. Conversely, total active fixed-line telephone subscriptions increased by 0.2%, reaching 439,829 during the same period. This slight uptick in traditional fixed-line telephony suggests a persistent, albeit niche, demand for these services, possibly for business continuity or specific household needs. These figures highlight a mixed trend in fixed-line services, with declines in some advanced and older technologies, while overall fixed-line telephony maintained slight growth. The data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) offers a full picture of the evolving telecommunications landscape in Oman.