DOHA - Mobile phone users in Qatar can now enjoy video-telephony for an additional charge of only 10 dirhams per minute, following the commercial launch of Third Generation (3G) mobile services by Qatar Telecom (Qtel) yesterday. The service is available to both, pre-paid and postpaid subscribers while Qtel has promised to offer more 3G content such as the facility to download video streams, Internet access and television, before the end of this year.
Addressing a press conference yesterday. Qtel Chairman, Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammad bin Saud Al Thani, Chairman, Qtel, said Qtel was now one of the first operators in the Gulf and Middle East to offer 3G Video Calling for both postpaid and prepaid customers with no connection or monthly fee. "The launch of this innovative new service comes as part of Qtel's ongoing mission to help its customers get the most from state-of-the-art technologies and change the way everyone will connect. Customers in Qatar can look forward to enjoying more fun and interactive services over Qtel's 3G and 3.5G network in the very near future," he added.
Video calling can be accessed only by those mobile users who have 3G enabled handsets. Such subscribers will have the option of receiving either a regular voice call or, a video call. The facility of video calls will be available only within the 3G coverage area.
Qtel's new 3G network covers the Greater Doha city area from Umm Salal in the north to Sealine beach in the south, and from Rayan in the west to the Corniche area in the East. In areas without 3G coverage, customers with 3G handsets will automatically default back on to Qtel's Global System for Mobile/Global Packet Radio System networks which cover more than 99 per cent of the Qatar's populated areas. An official demonstrating the service.
Plans are underway to expand the coverage to Ras Laffan by the end of the year.
Qtel's CEO Dr Nasser Marafih said, "Today's launch follows successful trials of the 3G Video Calling service.
The new 3G network has been designed to be the fastest and most reliable, with a focus on providing coverage both indoors and outdoors. In addition to the ability to make and receive 3G Video Calls, customers with a 3G handset will continue to access and use all of the existing voice and multimedia services offered by Qtel."
"We anticipate this service to be very popular during live sports games and concerts, as people with 3G handsets can share events instantaneously with others. As a prestige partner and the main telecommunications provider of the 15th Asian Games, Doha 2006, we are proud to play a major role in adding to the fun and excitement of the Games through fun services such as video calling, Multimedia Messaging System and future 3G services."
Qtel has planned a two week road show from the 20th of July at the City Center and Landmark shopping malls where customers can directly approach Qtel experts to see demo's of 3G Video Calling as well as ask any 3G related queries they may have.
"This is another successful step for Qtel," said Sheikh Fahad Bin Jassim Al Thani, Executive Director,Wireless, Qtel.
"Looking back years ago, who could have anticipated that the mobile phone that then could only make simple calls, would offer not just voice, but text, access to the web, photography, games, music, and now video calling too. Many operators launch 3G services as an elite service for the few. In contrast to this approach, Qtel has made this new service available to all of its customers whether postpaid or prepaid. The service will be easy to access and use with affordable charges so many of our customers can ultimately enjoy the benefits of 3G."
Qtel conducted a workshop for nearly 100 dealers to train them on the functionality of 3G handsets. "It was important that once video calling was available that the dealers are also educated and trained about the service so that they can better serve our customers," continued Sheikh Fahad.
He added, Qtel will soon enter into roaming agreements with 3G networks around the world and also make arrangements for 3G users to access video telephony in both directions.
© The Peninsula 2006
