Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, Dec. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  

Omantel and Archangel Lightworks, a leading UK-based optical and laser communications company, announced the signing of an agreement aimed at advancing and enhancing the future of satellite and optical communications services in the region.

This agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two parties to integrate Archangel Lightworks' innovative optical and laser ground station technologies into Omantel's network. Both parties aim to solidify the Sultanate of Oman's position as a regional hub for advanced satellite communications and high-capacity digital networks.

This collaboration originated from the Smart Industry Initiative, a partnership between the Oman British Association, BSG International, and Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE), which aims to foster knowledge exchange and industrial innovation between the UK and Oman. Oxford Science Enterprises, as the principal investor in Archangel Lightworks, facilitated this agreement through this initiative.

The two parties plan to implement a phased proof-of-concept program starting next year (2026), which will include verifying the efficiency of Archangel Lightworks’ TERRA-M optical ground station by receiving data from experimental satellites. The program will also explore opportunities to provide a ground station as a service (GSaaS) to support satellite towers, along with hybrid satellite data interconnection trials using wireless and optical links. These efforts will pave the way for joint service models that integrate ground stations and Archangel Lightworks’ laser communication technologies into Omantel’s network infrastructure. The collaboration will also extend to joint research and development, focusing on next-generation concepts such as high-throughput optical systems and point-to-point terrestrial optical links.

Commenting on this, Eng. Yousef bin Nasser Al-Azizi, General Manager of Strategic Planning for Technologies and Innovation at Omantel, said: “This collaboration represents an important step in the space technology sector aimed at redefining the architecture of global communications, with the Sultanate of Oman at the heart of this transformation. By integrating Archangel Lightworks’ leading optical technologies with Omantel’s infrastructure, we will build seamless bridges between space networks and terrestrial systems. This collaboration not only contributes to strengthening the role of the Sultanate of Oman as a hub for high-capacity digital connectivity, but also reflects our commitment to building a secure, sustainable, and scalable communications future. It also reflects our vision, partnerships, and constant pursuit of innovation, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.”

Richard Johansson, CEO of Archangel Lightworks, said: “This collaboration with Omantel is a key step towards realizing our vision of building hybrid space-terrestrial networks capable of delivering flexible communications solutions that meet needs on a large scale. Through our joint program in the Sultanate of Oman, we look forward to integrating the TERRA-M optical ground station and our wider suite of technologies with Omantel’s existing infrastructure to demonstrate how wireless laser communications can be deployed in partnership with terrestrial networks to add flexibility and capacity, thereby fostering innovation and growth.”

Jim Wilkinson, Chief Financial Officer of Oxford Science Projects, 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 innovation that originated in the UK being implemented in the Sultanate of Oman, contributing to stronger ties between the two countries and pushing the boundaries of communications technology to new heights.”

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About Omantel
Through its integrated operations, extensive experience in telecommunications and digital technology, Omantel has established itself as the leading telecommunications company in the Sultanate of Oman and beyond. The company's innovative approaches have enabled it to provide cutting-edge solutions for diverse customer segments and business sectors. Omantel strives to deliver an unparalleled customer experience and exceed expectations. It is committed to contributing to the goals of Oman Vision 2040 by investing in emerging technologies and offering the latest ICT solutions, including cloud solutions, ICT solutions, artificial intelligence, smart solutions, cybersecurity, and other technologies. Furthermore, Omantel leverages its technological capabilities to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in new and advanced technologies.

About Archangel Lightworks
Archangel Lightworks develops deployable communication systems that connect space-based and terrestrial networks. Today's data infrastructure suffers from insecurity, inefficiencies, and fragility. Improving connectivity between space-based and terrestrial networks enhances resilience and provides the necessary capacity and capabilities; however, this requires secure, high-volume links between space and Earth. The company leverages wireless laser communication technologies to enable and improve global connectivity.
TERRA-M is a miniature optical ground station (OGS) designed to be standalone and multi-mission capable. TERRA-M provides flexible, deployable connectivity wherever needed, enabling a resilient data infrastructure to support solutions for the most pressing issues, from economic inclusion to addressing climate change. TERRA-M is the ideal solution for cloud service providers, network operators, and governments to instantly deploy secure, high-volume connectivity to and from space .
www.archangel.works

About Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE)
Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE) is an independent investment and venture capital firm, drawing its strength from a unique partnership with the University of Oxford. Leveraging access to world-leading science and research, OSE has been able to...   From transforming advanced scientific research at Oxford into companies capable of tackling the world's greatest challenges, striving to achieve global impact and rewarding returns for investors
The proven startup engine systematically creates between 8 and 10 new companies annually, a rate set to double by 2030. In its first decade, OSE founded over 50 leading companies, partnered with more than 300 co-investors, and raised over £3 billion. From the heart of Oxford, OSE's mission is clear.   Clearly: Transforming world-class science into transformative companies with global impact and multi-billion pound potential.
https://www.oxfordscienceenterprises.com/

For media inquiries, please contact:

Mona Al-Maamari
Director of Digital Journalism and Media
Phone: +968 24242743

Email: muna.maamri@omantel.om

Arcangle Lightworks – marketing@archangel.works

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