Oman Completes 3G Shutdown and Almost Nationwide 4G and 5G coverage

Oman has officially switched off its entire 3G mobile network and transitioned entirely to 4G and 5G technology usage, according to the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.

The project started roll-out in mid-2024 in unpopulated areas, and was rolled out in many phases. The first phase included the shutdown of 700 3G base stations to users from Al Buraimi, Al Dhahirah, and Musandam in July 2024. The second phase included 584 deactivations in Al Dakhiliyah by December. The third phase included 864 in Al Wusta and Dhofar. There were 1,835 site decommissionings in South and North Al Batinah and Al Sharqiyah in January 2025. In the second quarter of 2025, the final Phase was reached with 1,699 site shut downs in Muscat in total. There are a number of sites adjacent to the airport still open to the users pending technical issues.

There were over 5,600 telecom sites that were upgraded. With these upgrades, Oman has indicated it has 99% 4G connectivity and 80% 5G coverage across the country. The freed-up spectrum is being utilized for 4G, 5G, and IoT services to enhance service quality and introduce new capabilities.

As well as improving connectivity, the project is also estimated to provide annual energy savings of over two million kilowatt hours. Oman is one of the first countries to simply retire its 3G network, representing a significant milestone in improving digital connectivity and ensuring its the goals of Vision 2040 come to fruition.

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