Qtel Upgrades 3G Network

Qtel today announced that it will complete the next phase of its mobile Broadband network upgrade in February, to provide the fastest high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) network for Qatar.

 

The upgrade process, which began in the last months of 2009 and will be finished in February, sees base stations all over the country being replaced and enhanced connectivity being introduced across the network. As result, users of 3G-enabled mobile phones, USB modems and data cards will all benefit from improved data download speeds and enhanced quality of services.

 

In parallel, Qtel has initiated a major trial process for new network devices capable of benefitting from massive download speeds of up to 14.4Mbps. Working with customers, Qtel is preparing to offer some of the highest 3G download speeds currently available in the near future.

 

Qtel has been working with Nokia Siemens Networks, which is supplying its latest generation Base Stations and all-IP backhaul solution to increase Qtel’s network capacity and enable a smooth transition to higher speed data access.

 

Mobile Internet capacity is already in effect doubled as a result of deploying the latest state-of-the-art equipment. The base station upgrade will make an important contribution to enhancing outdoor coverage, while work is ongoing to provide a superior indoor experience.

 

Customers will benefit from an immediate improvement in the average speed offering as the upgrade becomes available, although speeds will be determined by the distance from the nearest base station and the number of customers using that station. However, the addition of new towers will also enable more people to use mobile Broadband in Qatar.

 

The enhanced capacity is necessary as the community of mobile Broadband customers continues to grow in Qatar. The increasing ubiquity of 3G enabled phones is one factor driving demand for bandwidth, while Qtel’s pioneering provision of both prepaid and post-paid mobile Broadband packages in Qatar has rapidly enhanced the number of people accessing the network.

 

As an additional benefit, the upgrade process will have a positive environmental effect, by ensuring the base towers consumer less energy and reduce the total cost of operation.

 

Qtel offers special 30-day, 10-day and three day prepaid packages, delivering unlimited Internet access for the duration. With the higher download speeds, people will be able to watch movies, access educational material and enjoy a world of entertainment online faster and more effectively.

 

Postpaid Mobile Broadband customers can choose between Lite, Plus, and Unlimited packages every month, enabling them to select the right pack to suit their monthly budget and data download usage.  

 

Qtel’s ongoing investment in its Broadband network infrastructure is part of the company’s ongoing drive to fuel the senses of everyone in Qatar, opening the world of opportunities that the Internet provides for the people. The company is helping to power the “Broadband Qatar” strategy, designed to support the use of the Internet across schools, government departments and all organizations.

 

As part of this commitment, Qtel is working to offer the widest range of mobile access devices in Qatar, with NetBooks, USB broadband modems and home wireless routers available in Qtel Shops across the country.

 

People who are part of Qtel’s fantastic Nojoom rewards programme can claim points for every Qatari Riyal they spend on Mobile Broadband services, which can be exchanged for great awards and experiences.

 

Customers will not need to apply for the speed upgrade, and the service enhancements are being provided for free for all customers.