The Public Services and Utilities Committee of the Shura Council convened its ninth session of the second annual term (2024–2025) today (Thursday) to continue its review of the draft Telecommunications and Information Technology Regulation Law, referred by the government. The session, chaired by His Excellency Hamoud  Ahmed Al Yahyai and attended by committee members, included in-depth discussions with officials from the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.

During the meeting, representatives from the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology highlighted the importance of the proposed legislation in modernizing the regulatory framework governing the telecommunications and IT sectors. They provided detailed observations on several articles of the draft law, emphasizing its role in addressing current and future challenges in these sectors.
Committee members raised critical questions about the quality of telecommunications services in various regions across Oman, stressing the urgent need to enhance service quality to meet the increasing reliance on digital infrastructure, especially given the growing dependence of government services on efficient communication networks.
The committee hosted officials from the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, who presented a comprehensive overview of the draft law. The presentation outlined key amendments introduced in the new legislation compared to the current law enacted in 2002. The officials explained that the proposed changes aim to streamline procedures, foster an investment-friendly environment, and address emerging technological advancements.
Discussions further delved into the potential of the draft law to drive Oman’s digital transformation efforts and bolster economic growth by integrating telecommunications and IT into a unified regulatory framework. Officials emphasized that merging these sectors under one legislative umbrella would enhance operational efficiency and deliver greater economic value.
The committee also examined the draft law's provisions for improving service accessibility, ensuring quality standards, and streamlining licensing and regulatory procedures. Members stressed the importance of incorporating these aspects into the final version of the legislation to align with the country’s digital and economic aspirations.
The proposed law consists of 56 articles organized into 10 chapters, reflecting Oman’s commitment to aligning with global standards and trends in telecommunications and information technology. Over the course of its review, the committee has engaged with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and balanced assessment of the legislation.
The committee's review process is conducted in accordance with Article 47 of the Oman Council Law, which mandates: "Draft laws prepared by the government shall be referred to the Oman Council for approval or amendment, and then submitted directly to the Sultan for ratification and issuance. If the Council of Oman introduces amendments, the Sultan may return the draft law to the Council for reconsideration of the amendments before final submission."
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the draft law aligns with national priorities, enhances regulatory efficiency, and contributes to Oman’s broader digital transformation goals