In a landmark moment for the Sultanate’s technological ambitions, Omani conglomerate MB Group has announced a strategic partnership with American satellite company Astranis to deliver Oman’s first dedicated MicroGEO communications satellite—a deal worth $200 million that positions the nation at the forefront of regional connectivity.

The announcement, made jointly from San Francisco and Muscat on January 26, 2026, represents more than a commercial transaction. It signals Oman’s determination to achieve digital sovereignty—complete control over its own communications infrastructure in an increasingly connected world.

A New Era of Sovereign Connectivity

“We’re entering a new era of satellite connectivity with Astranis. This strategic collaboration supports Oman Vision 2040 to deliver resilient, high-performance infrastructure necessary for a digital-first country, empowering our government, our enterprises, and our people.”

— Usama Al Barwani, Vice Chairperson of MB LLC

The partnership is built around the MicroGEO satellite (referred to as “MBsat” in industry reports), which will be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of Astranis’ Block 3 mission later this year. Services are expected to commence by early 2027, providing Oman with dedicated, secure satellite coverage backed by integrated ground stations and distributed backup teleports.

What makes this deal particularly significant is its focus on sovereignty. Unlike shared regional capacity, the MicroGEO satellite will give Oman exclusive control over its digital backbone—a strategic asset in an age where data security and network independence are increasingly viewed as matters of national importance.

“Sovereign connectivity is no longer optional. Countries need private, secure networks to know their data is secure and in the right hands.”

— John Gedmark, CEO of Astranis

The $200 Million Investment Package

Mahfouz Al Shaikh, Executive Vice-President of MBCTLC (a subsidiary of MB Group), described the initiative as designed with “sovereign safeguards” that will enhance reliability while supporting broader national goals including digital economy growth, investment attraction, and quality job creation.

Oman’s Space Ambitions: Two Satellites in Two Months

The MB Group deal follows another historic announcement. In November 2025, Space Communication Technologies (SCT)—Oman’s national satellite operator under the Oman Investment Authority—signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space for OmanSat-1, the Sultanate’s first national telecommunications satellite.

Together, these two projects represent a dual-track approach to space:

Vision 2040: The Digital Economy Takes Flight

Both satellite initiatives are explicitly aligned with Oman Vision 2040, the Sultanate’s comprehensive development roadmap that places digital transformation at the heart of economic diversification.

The National Programme for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies aims to increase the digital economy’s contribution to Oman’s GDP from 2% in 2021 to 10% by 2040. Satellite infrastructure is a critical enabler of this ambition.

Key Facts at a Glance

Looking Ahead

With the MicroGEO satellite launch scheduled for later this year and services expected by early 2027, Oman is poised to join the select group of nations with dedicated satellite communications assets.

The dual-track approach—combining the national OmanSat-1 program with the private sector MicroGEO initiative—demonstrates the Sultanate’s commitment to building a robust, resilient digital infrastructure for the decades ahead.

As the Vision 2040 journey continues, these satellites will serve as orbital ambassadors of Omani ambition—beaming connectivity across land, sea, and sky, and proving that when it comes to reaching for the stars, the Sultanate is ready to take its place in the heavens.

Sources: Business Wire, Oman Observer, Via Satellite, Telecompaper, Airbus Defence and Space