Oman’s MB Group has signed a strategic agreement with US satellite company Astranis to deliver the Sultanate’s first dedicated MicroGEO communications satellite, contracted under Astranis’ Block 3 launch with SpaceX later this year, with services expected to begin by early 2027.
The project forms part of a broader $200 million MB Group investment aligned with Oman Vision 2040. It includes ground stations and supporting infrastructure to provide what the partners describe as sovereign and secure connectivity for government, enterprises, and communities.
Announced on January 26 in statements from San Francisco and Muscat, the agreement positions Oman as the anchor for a dedicated national satellite asset, rather than relying on shared regional capacity.
Mahfouz Al Shaikh, Executive Vice-President at MBCTLC, a subsidiary of the Mohammed Al Barwani Group, said the agreement marks “a strategic step” in building Oman’s satellite communications ecosystem and strengthening national digital infrastructure. The signing took place under the auspices of Dr Ali bin Amer al Shaithani, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.
Al Shaikh said the initiative is designed with sovereign safeguards and will deliver secure, dedicated satellite coverage, supported by an in-country ground station and distributed backup teleport sites. He linked the project to broader objectives including digital economy growth, investment attraction, and quality job creation.
Usama al Barwani, Vice Chairperson of MB LLC, described the deal as part of the group’s diversification into advanced technologies, building on its industrial base in energy and mining. He said Astranis represents a disruptive force in the space economy and offers strategic value in next-generation connectivity.
Astranis Co-Founder and CEO John Gedmark said the partnership will expand sovereign connectivity in the region, starting with Oman, and help build a digital backbone capable of powering the economy, connecting communities, and enabling innovation aligned with Oman Vision 2040.
Astranis specialises in small geostationary communications satellites that provide dedicated, secure connectivity for enterprise and sovereign customers. MB Group operates across more than 20 countries in sectors including energy, mining, marine engineering, aviation, manufacturing, real estate, and strategic investments.
