Leading Smart Transformation

Information Technology Authority is developing a long-term strategy until 2030 for creating smart cities

The Sultanate has a long-term strategy to adopt information technology on a massive scale in all walks of life, which include e-governance and smart cities. The country’s Information Technology Authority (ITA) is developing a long-term strategy until 2030 for creating smart cities. The ITA will provide policies and regulations based on its seven pillars, which include security, infrastructure, e-government and the development of the society. The authority will also look into new job opportunities available with the adoption of artificial intelligence, which is part of a smart cities.

The plan for smart cities include a logistics city near Muscat, Duqm, and Madinat Al Irfan, which includes Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. In a prototype smart city, municipal services such as lighting, traffic lights, garbage disposal and building management will be driven by different technologies.

Oman Broadband Company (OBC) will provide the infrastructure for these cities, while the major telecom service providers will play an important role in building other infrastructure needed for developing smart cities.

The Sultanate has several advantages in developing smart cities, which include a well-developed telecommunication infrastructure base and high levels of smartphone penetration.The national broadband strategy, which include building a nation-wide fibre optic backbone and strengthening of government network, is also expected to support the formation of smart cities to a large extent.

TRA has launched the national broadband strategy way back in 2010, with the ultimate aim of introducing a broadband connection into every home and business. The broadband strategy is focusing on connecting virtually every building and village across the Sultanate to national broadband infrastructure by 2040. Accordingly, the fibre optic coverage is targeted to extend to 80 per cent of populated areas by 2020.

National strategy