DOHA: Qtel yesterday officially opened its new Service Centre in Al Wakra that offers high-level business services and its wide range of landline, mobile, broadband and entertainment services in a single location.
The QR20m Service Centre is one of the first of its kind to offer BlackBerry solutions and enterprise hosting, along with other consumer services. It also offers the latest in recreational and hospitality facilities, so that visitors can use the location as a full community centre as well as a Qtel shop.
The new facility is also expected to provide a strategic resource for the master plan to develop Al Wakra city through the creation of new retail areas, refurbishment of tourism sites and extension of the current port and fishing facilities.
The Qtel Service Centre will provide full support for the advanced telecommunication services required by this development process, and will provide opportunities for job development and training for the local community.
Opening the facility, Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani, Chairman of Qtel, said: "We are proud to open this Service Centre in Al Wakra, both as a resource for the local community and a sign of our confidence in the ongoing growth and potential of this area. This will be the first facility in the region to combine Qtel's excellence in customer service with our expertise in business solutions, and we anticipate a very positive response from companies and residents."
"By opening this Service Centre -- which is the most modern and customer-friendly in the Qtel network -- in Al Wakra, we are making a firm commitment to our customers that they can expect our world-class quality of service wherever they are in Qatar," he added.
The Centre covers an area of more than 1,000 square metres and deploys a broad range of colours and branding to create a unique atmosphere.
Dedicated areas cover specific services for Qatar residents, including special areas for high-speed internet access, Mozaic TV+ services and a wide range of mobile communications offerings.
It even hosts a gallery, displaying some of the latest mobile devices available in the region, which will be used to preview many of the newest models coming to the market in 2009.
The Service Centre has a fully-staffed customer help desk, where residents can submit enquiries and applications, as well as purchase SIM cards and top-ups for HALA Pay As You Talk and Shahry Postpaid mobile services.
The facility hosts an internal branch of the famous "Fauchon Cafe" that serves a variety of hot and cold food round the clock for Qtel customers, providing an additional element of hospitality.
All these services are supported by a large and conveniently-located parking area, as well as a range of services for families and mothers with children visiting the Centre.
Waleed Al Sayeed, Executive Director, Customer Services, Qtel, said: "We have conducted a far-reaching review of the services required by the people of Al Wakra and built all the feedback into the design and development of this facility. It will offer convenience, flexibility and the latest range of products and services, all delivered in a relaxing and stylish atmosphere."
The Service Centre will house a specialist team of business solutions and technical support experts, which will work in partnership with companies and government agencies in Al Wakra and other neighbouring municipalities such as Mesaieed.
The team is already working on a number of special projects with the local authorities to provide wireless internet access at souqs and tourist sites throughout the municipality, in addition to a special education project.
© The Peninsula 2008
