Oman's telecoms regulator yesterday invited bids for long-term contracts to build and operate the country's second fixed-line phone network, the Gulf Daily News reported today. Oman, which already has two mobile phone operators and is also selling a stake in Oman Telecommunications (Omantel), is liberalising the telecoms sector as part of efforts to encourage foreign investment. An official at the Economy Ministry said Oman was looking for a company that could invest at least $300 million in the first five years of the contract. Oman is offering a package including a 25-year contract to build and operate a second fixed-line service and a similar 15-year contract for broadband internet services. Both contracts are renewable, the newspaper said. --MORE
