Omantel plans "sizeable" Pakistan telecom investment

MUSCAT (Reuters) - Oman Telecommunications Co OTL.OM (Omantel) said it plans to invest a "sizeable" amount expanding its Pakistan Worldcall Telecom WTCL.KA unit, whose $200 million purchase it has completed.

"Focus of roll-out will principally target broadband segment with sustained growth of voice centric services," Omantel said in a statement on the Omani bourse website on Sunday.

"This planned expansion coupled with initial investment would see a sizable inflow of capital into Pakistan."

Omantel bought 488.8 million shares of Worldcall, equivalent to 65 percent of the company, of which 60 percentage points came from the founders and the remainder from holders of publicly held stock, Omantel said.

"Through this acquisition, Omantel has acquired direct access to a market of 170 million with immense potential for growth in core telecom and broadband service offerings," Omantel said.

Omantel said in February it agreed to pay $193 million for Worldcall. It was not clear whether that was for 60 percent or 65 percent of the company.

(Writing by James Cordahi; Editing by Ola Galal)