OMANTEL, ARCHANGEL LIGHTWORKS PARTNER ON OPTICAL SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 17 (Bernama) -- Omantel has signed an agreement with Archangel Lightworks, a United Kingdom (UK)-based pioneer in optical and laser communications, to accelerate the future of satellite and optical communication services.

Under the collaboration, the parties will work to introduce Archangel Lightworks’ laser-optic satellite ground station technologies into Omantel’s network, supporting high-capacity, resilient digital infrastructure and strengthening links between space-based and terrestrial communications systems.

In a statement, Omantel General Manager of Technology Strategy and Innovation, Yousuf Nasser Mattar Al Azizi said the partnership supports Oman’s ambition to play a central role in future global communications and aligns with the country’s Vision 2040 goals for innovation and digital transformation.

Meanwhile, Archangel Lightworks Chief Executive Officer, Richard Johanson said the collaboration represents a step toward hybrid space and terrestrial networks that can deliver scalable, flexible connectivity.

The agreement was facilitated through the Smart Industry Initiative, a partnership involving the British Omani Society, BSG International and Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE). OSE, a key investor in Archangel Lightworks, supported the formation of the collaboration as part of efforts to promote industrial innovation between the UK and Oman.

A phased programme of proof-of-concept trials is planned from 2026, including validation of Archangel Lightworks’ TERRA-M optical ground station using data from test satellites. The programme will also assess Ground Station as a Service (GSaaS) opportunities and hybrid radio frequency–optical satellite data downlinks.

These efforts will pave the way for joint service models integrating Archangel Lightworks’ optical ground station and laser communication technologies into Omantel’s infrastructure.

The collaboration will further extend to joint research and development, focusing on next-generation high-throughput optical systems and terrestrial point-to-point optical links.

-- BERNAMA