Omantel has signed an agreement with Archangel Lightworks, a UK-based company specialising in optical and laser communications, to advance satellite and optical communication services in Oman. The agreement was announced in Muscat on 16 December 2025.
The partnership sets out a shared framework to introduce Archangel Lightworks’ laser-based satellite ground station technology into Omantel’s network. The companies aim to support the growth of high-capacity digital infrastructure and strengthen Oman’s role as a regional centre for advanced satellite connectivity.
The collaboration was formed through the Smart Industry Initiative, which brings together the British Omani Society, BSG International and Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE). The initiative promotes cooperation and industrial development between the UK and Oman. OSE, an investor in Archangel Lightworks, supported the agreement through this programme.
From 2026, the partners plan a phased series of proof-of-concept trials. These will include testing the TERRA-M optical ground station using data received from trial satellites. The programme will also assess Ground Station as a Service (GSaaS) models for new satellite constellations and trial hybrid radio frequency and optical satellite downlinks. The results will support future joint service offerings that combine Archangel Lightworks’ technologies with Omantel’s infrastructure.
The agreement also includes joint research and development work. This will focus on future optical systems with higher capacity and on terrestrial point-to-point optical links.
Yousuf Nasser Mattar Al Azizi, GM Technology Strategy and Innovation at Omantel, said: “This exploration represents a bold stride in the sector of space technology towards redefining the architecture of global communications with Oman at its center. By integrating Archangel Lightworks’ frontier optical technologies with Omantel’s infrastructure, we are forging a seamless bridge between space-based networks and terrestrial systems. This collaboration not only amplifies Oman’s role as a nexus for high-capacity digital connectivity, but also reflects our commitment to shaping the future of secure, scalable, and sustainable communications. It is a testament to our vision, our partnerships, and our unwavering pursuit of innovation in line with Oman Vision 2040.”
Archangel Lightworks’ CEO Richard Johanson said: “This collaboration with Omantel is an exciting step towards a vision of hybrid space and terrestrial networks which can deliver the flexible connectivity humanity needs, at scale. Through our joint program in Oman, we look forward to integrating our TERRA-M optical ground station and broader technology suite with Omantel’s existing infrastructure to show how wireless laser communications can be deployed in partnership with terrestrial networks to add resilience and capacity, fueling innovation and growth.”
Jim Wilkinson, Chief Financial Officer for Oxford Science Enterprises, said: “This agreement between Omantel and Archangel Lightworks is a milestone for the future of global communications. As part of the Smart Industry Initiative, we are delighted to see UK-founded innovation being applied in Oman, helping to build stronger links between our two countries and advancing the frontiers of connectivity.”