Connected Deserts: The Digital Landscape of Internet Access in Oman (Including Satellite Internet)
Oman has made remarkable strides in expanding internet connectivity across the country. As of early 2024, an estimated 97.8% of Oman’s population were internet users, reflecting one of the highest penetration rates globally Datareportal. Nearly every adult in Oman has access to the internet, primarily through widespread mobile broadband and increasingly via high-speed fixed connections. Mobile phone usage is ubiquitous – active mobile subscriptions reached 7.5 million by the end of 2024 Zawya Zawya. This indicates many residents carry multiple SIM cards or devices. Broadband infrastructure has rapidly modernized. Over 90% of Omani households had a broadband internet service by end-2024, up from 85% a year prior Zawya. Urban centers like Muscat enjoy extensive fiber-optic and 5G coverage, while even rural villages are increasingly getting connected via wireless or satellite solutions. Public Wi-Fi hotspots are common in urban areas, complementing personal mobile data use. The average quality of connectivity has improved significantly – median mobile data speeds are now 71.3 Mbps, and fixed broadband speeds about 68.4 Mbps, as of January 2024 Datareportal. These speeds are well above global averages and have risen over 30% year-on-year, reflecting network upgrades and 5G rollout Datareportal.
