Omantel and Archangel Lightworks Plan Optical Satellite Connectivity for Oman
Omantel has signed a strategic agreement with UK-based Archangel Lightworks to introduce laser-based satellite communications into Oman’s national connectivity infrastructure.
The partnership aims to focus on deploying optical ground station technology, beginning with phased proof-of-concept trials starting in 2026. The trials will validate Archangel Lightworks’ TERRA-M optical ground station, including data reception from test satellites and experiments with hybrid RF–optical downlinks. The work will also explore Ground Station as a Service (GSaaS) models for emerging satellite constellations.
The move targets higher-capacity, lower-latency satellite backhaul by complementing traditional RF links with laser communications, enabling greater throughput and resilience for LEO and future multi-orbit systems. Joint R&D will also cover advanced optical systems and terrestrial point-to-point optical links, supporting tighter integration between space and ground networks.