Monday 17 / August / 2026
Muscat: Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has issued a new Regulation on Promotional Calls, Service Messages and Value-Added Services under Decision No. (1511/25/2/36/2026). The regulation aims to strengthen consumer protection, regulate promotional and service communications, and curb intrusive and fraudulent telecommunications practices.
The new framework introduces comprehensive requirements for licensed operators, businesses and service providers, enhancing transparency, protecting customer data and improving trust in telecommunications services across the Sultanate.
Key Provisions of the Regulation
Protection of Customer Data: The regulation prohibits the sharing of customer information with local subscribers, international subscribers or international intermediaries without prior approval from the Authority. Licensed operators are also required to implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to safeguard user data.
Regulation of Promotional Communications: Businesses sending promotional messages must use identifiers that clearly reflect their legal or trade names. Promotional messages must also be distinguishable from other communications, enabling recipients to easily identify marketing content.
Controls on Value-Added Services: The regulation establishes clear rules governing value-added services and recurring subscription services. Providers are required to obtain the necessary approvals and ensure that such services are used only for authorized purposes.
Oversight of International Messaging Traffic: Licensed operators must obtain TRA approval before contracting with international intermediaries for the exchange of messaging traffic. The regulation also requires verification of sender identities and introduces measures to prevent spoofing, impersonation and fraudulent message transmission.
Consumer Right to Opt Out: Service providers are required to offer clear and accessible mechanisms allowing users to block or stop receiving promotional calls, messages and value-added service communications. Consumers must also be able to report cases where communications continue despite opting out.
Permitted Communication Hours: Promotional calls and messages may only be made or sent between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Oman time, helping to protect consumers from unwanted disturbances outside permitted hours.
Combating Fraud and Spam: The regulation obliges operators to develop technical systems capable of detecting and preventing fraudulent and intrusive calls and messages. It also encourages data-sharing and cooperation among operators and provides unified reporting mechanisms for consumers.
Enforcement and Penalties: The regulation also introduces a framework of financial penalties for violations, with fines ranging from OMR 500 to OMR 30,000, depending on the nature and severity of the offence. The Authority may also impose higher penalties in cases of repeated violations, reinforcing compliance and strengthening the protection of consumers against unsolicited, intrusive, and fraudulent communications.
The new regulation reflects the TRA’s ongoing efforts to enhance the regulatory environment of Oman’s telecommunications sector while balancing commercial communication needs with the rights of consumers to privacy, security and protection from unsolicited communications.
