Qtel repackages MMDS system to fulfil needs of Asian viewers and introduces price reductions Qtel reduces Combo rpice and launches Combo promotion


Doha, 15th June 2003
 
Qatar Cable Vision (QCV) has introduced a repackaged Microwave Multipoint Distribution System (MMDS) cable offering at reduced prices, specifically designed to suit the viewing needs of Asian customers. Qtel has also announced benefits for Arab and Western customers with a reduction in rates on their COMBO package as well as a two-week COMBO promotion to mark this.
 
The new-look MMDS system is available in four packages; basic, premium: gold or silver and a la carte which offer Asian viewers a host of Asian and English channels to suit their needs.
 
QCV is offering the redesigned packages at reduced prices with the basic package now priced at QR 45 per month compared to QR 60 in the old system, premium packages gold and silver priced at QR 40 and QR 25 per month respectively, which was equal to QR 55 and QR 70 per month in the old system, whilst a la Carte will continue to be charged at QR 15 per month.
 
Furthermore, MMDS subscribers will no longer have to buy their decoders, customers will be given the decoders free-of-charge for as long as they subscribe.
 
Channels have been gradually shifted so that the MMDS system perfectly suits the needs of Asian viewers whilst the MVDS system has been created for Western viewers. For example, Star News has been added to the MMDS system on Channel 73 to provide Asian viewers with news from home, replacing MBC.
 
Meanwhile, Arab and Western viewers will benefit from a reduction in rates on QCV's COMBO service. Qtel has announced a monthly reduction of QR. 25 for all existing and new customers, with the waiving of a QR. 25 equipment rental charge. Installation charges have been altered to QR. 600 to reflect this.
 
To mark this announcement, Qtel will launch a two-week campaign from tomorrow (16 to 30 June 2003), wherein new subscribers to the COMBO service during this period will benefit from a 50% reduction in installation charges (QR.300 reduced from QR 600) as well as one satellite receiver (dish) with LNB (receiver) free-of-charge.
 
Qtel also announced that customers who switch from over the MMDS system to COMBO will be granted a complementary change-of-system with no installation charge. Subscribers will also receive one satellite receiver LNB free when they switch to COMBO if all MMDS equipment is returned.
 
"This is the first time we carry such a campaign with huge installation and equipment reductions. I would like to emphasise that COMBO gives people the advantages of cable and satellite in one package," Waleed Al Sayed, QCV Manager said, "It should be noted that Qtel is the only Cable TV provider in the Middle East which supplies all four networks in one decoder; ART, Orbit, Star and Showtime."
 
"Our customers should realise by now that subscribing to individual networks costs more than having one decoder. We are doing lots of promotions and reductions to ensure that our viewers get the best rates."
 
"I would like to reaffirm Qtel's commitment to family viewing. We are dedicated to providing out viewers with safe and suitable viewing and therefore we invest heavily in censorship and protection," he added.
 
The introduction of the new MMDS offering and the COMBO reduction and customer promotion comes as part of Qatar Cable Vision's ongoing programme to provide customers with the latest in technology and the highest quality service at a competitive rates.
 
MMDS
Basic package is charged at QR 45 per month and includes the following channels:

  • 65 (QCV Advt)
  • 67 (Al Jazeera)
  • 69 (QTV 2)
  • 70 (PTV)
  • 71 (CNN)
  • 72 (Channel1 - Bangla)
  • 73 (Star News)
  • 74 (Fox Sports)
  • 75 (BBC)
  • 76 (CNBC)
  • 77 (Orbit News)
  • 78 (Zee TV)
  • 79 (Zee Music)
  • 80 (Star Plus)
  • 81 (National Geographic)
  • 82 (Geo-Pakistan)
Gold package is charged at 40 QR per month and includes the following channels:
  • 92 (Channel V)
  • 93 (Orbit ESPN)
  • 94 (Star Movies)
  • 95 (Super Movies)
  • 96 (Star Gold)
  • 97 (Zee Cinema)
Silver package is charged at QR 25 per month and includes the following channels:
  • 85 (Zee news)
  • 86 (Fox Kids)
  • 87 (America Plus)
  • 88 (Star World)
  • 89 (Kerali)
  • 90 (Disney)
  • 91 (Fun Channel)

A la Carte

Asianet will continue to be offered as a separate package for QR. 15.
 
-Ends-
 
MVDS
MVDS packages are unchanged.
To subscribe to the service, to upgrade your system or for further information please call QVC Customer Centre on 177.

Press Release 2003