Oman Radio Frequency Regulation Amended: TRA Simplifies Radio Licensing
Oman Radio Frequency Regulation Update: TRA Amends Resolution 133/2008 to Simplify Radio Licensing
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of the Sultanate of Oman has issued a decision amending certain provisions of the Regulation Governing the Registration and Use of Radio Frequencies and Devices and Determining Their Prices, originally issued under Resolution 133/2008. The TRA announced the amendment through an official press release dated 21 June 2026.
The update is the latest in a series of revisions to Oman's core spectrum pricing and licensing instrument, and it targets three specific groups of licensees: Class 1 licensed operators providing satellite broadband services, Class 3 licensees, and aircraft and ship station licensees.
Background: Oman Radio Frequency Regulation Under Resolution 133/2008
Resolution 133/2008 is the foundation of spectrum management in Oman. Issued under the Telecommunications Regulatory Act (Royal Decree No. 30/2002) and its Executive Regulation (Decision No. 144/2008), it sets out the rules for registering and using radio frequencies and radio equipment, along with the associated registration and annual usage fees. It operates alongside the Regulation Organizing Radio Licenses (Decision No. 116/2019).
The regulation has been amended repeatedly to keep pace with new technologies. Recent revisions include:
2022: replacement of international telecommunications fee tables and repeal of several annexes.
2024: new provisions and fees for Earth Stations in Motion (ESIM) in the Ka-band on board Oman-registered aircraft and ships, and repeal of Decision 15/2012 on shipborne earth stations.
January 2025 (Decision 1152/2/30/2025-1): new provisions covering satellite broadband user terminals.
The 2026 amendment continues this trajectory, with a clear focus on satellite connectivity and mobile (aeronautical and maritime) radio stations.
Key Objectives of the 2026 Amendment
According to the TRA, the amendment is designed to:
Ensure optimal use of the radio frequency spectrum as a limited national resource.
Simplify the procedures for obtaining a radio license.
Establish the regulatory framework needed to enable a number of modern telecommunications services.
Reflect the true economic value of spectrum and encourage its efficient use.
Align radio service fees with the evolution of services, supporting adoption of new technologies.
Encourage investment and support digital transformation, including emerging technologies that rely on wireless and satellite communications.
Who Is Affected by the Oman Radio Frequency Regulation Update
Stakeholder group | Scope of the amendment |
Class 1 licensed operators providing satellite broadband | Updated provisions for spectrum registration, use and pricing linked to satellite broadband services |
Class 3 licensees | Revised licensing provisions and fee alignment |
Aircraft station licensees | Updated licensing and pricing provisions for radio stations on board aircraft |
Ship station licensees | Updated licensing and pricing provisions for radio stations on board vessels |
The TRA has stated that the full text of the amended regulation is available through its website and digital platforms. The amending decision is listed in Oman's legislative database under Decision No. 1152/2/36/2026-9.
What This Means for Manufacturers
Although the amendment is primarily addressed to licensed operators and station licensees rather than equipment makers, it has direct commercial relevance for manufacturers active in the Omani market:
Satellite terminal manufacturers (VSAT, LEO/MEO broadband user terminals, ESIM) should expect their operator customers to reassess deployment costs and licensing workflows under the revised fee structure. Simplified licensing may accelerate rollouts and create new demand.
Aeronautical and maritime equipment suppliers (in-flight connectivity systems, shipborne satellite terminals, VHF/MF/HF marine radios, aircraft radio equipment) may see changes in how their customers license and register onboard stations.
Equipment approval remains a separate requirement. The press release does not indicate changes to Oman's type approval process. Radio equipment placed on the Omani market must still hold valid TRA type approval before import and sale, independently of the operator's radio license.
Customer-facing documentation (technical specifications, frequency bands, output power, emission classes) should be kept accurate and readily available, since operators will rely on it to complete license and registration filings under the updated rules.
Certification Impact Summary
Area | Impact | Notes |
TRA type approval (equipment) | No change indicated | Existing type approval requirements continue to apply |
Radio licensing (operators and stations) | Simplified procedures | Applies to Class 1 satellite broadband, Class 3, aircraft and ship licensees |
Spectrum registration and usage fees | Revised | Fees realigned to reflect spectrum value and service evolution |
Satellite broadband services | Framework strengthened | Builds on the 2024 ESIM and 2025 satellite terminal amendments |
Aeronautical and maritime stations | Updated provisions | Relevant to in-flight and onboard connectivity deployments |
Product labeling and marking | No change indicated | Continue to follow existing TRA requirements |
Timeline and Required Actions
Regulatory Timeline
Date | Milestone |
15 November 2008 | Resolution 133/2008 published in Official Gazette No. 875 |
23 November 2022 | Amendment revising international telecommunications fee tables |
2024 | Amendment introducing ESIM (Ka-band) provisions for aircraft and ships |
12 January 2025 | Decision 1152/2/30/2025-1 published (Official Gazette No. 1579), adding satellite broadband terminal provisions |
21 June 2026 | TRA announces amendment to Resolution 133/2008 (Decision 1152/2/36/2026-9) |
Upon publication in the Official Gazette | Amendment enters into force (previous TRA amendments took effect the day after gazette publication; confirm for this decision) |
Required Actions
Review the amended text. Obtain the full regulation from the TRA website and identify provisions affecting your product categories and customers.
Confirm the effective date. Verify the Official Gazette publication and entry-into-force date before advising customers.
Map affected products. Identify satellite broadband terminals, ESIM, aeronautical and maritime radio equipment in your Oman portfolio.
Verify type approval status. Ensure all radio equipment sold in Oman holds a valid TRA type approval certificate, and plan renewals or new applications where needed.
Engage with operator customers. Coordinate with Class 1, Class 3 and aircraft/ship licensees on how revised licensing and fees affect deployment plans.
Update technical documentation. Make sure frequency, power and emission data are accurate to support operator licensing filings.
Monitor further TRA guidance. Watch for implementing procedures, updated fee schedules or FAQs from the TRA.
Conclusion
The latest amendment to Oman's radio frequency regulation reinforces the TRA's strategy of modernizing spectrum management, simplifying radio licensing and pricing spectrum according to its real value. With a clear focus on satellite broadband and aeronautical and maritime stations, the update is especially significant for the growing satellite connectivity ecosystem in Oman. Manufacturers and operators should review the amended provisions, confirm their compliance position and prepare for any changes in licensing workflows and costs.
