09 March 2009
Customers Can Now Access High-Speed Internet 'Anytime, Anywhere' - for as Long as they want to

Doha, Qatar: Starting from Tuesday morning, Qtel customers will have unlimited access to some of the fastest mobile Internet services in the region, anywhere and anytime, for a very attractive price.  

Qtel has launched a new nationwide Unlimited Mobile Broadband Plan, where customers can pay a fixed monthly fee and receive unlimited access to the Internet, without hidden fees and with no limits on the amount of data downloaded. 

Access to the service will be switched on at 7 am on Tuesday, March 10, and the service will instantly become available to tens of thousands of potential customers. The network covers all of Doha, and virtually all populated regions across Qatar.

Qatar has long benefited from one of the most advanced mobile broadband Internet networks anywhere in the Middle East, offering some of the fastest download speeds and smoothest access available. With a simple modem and data-only SIM card, customers have been able to access the Internet from almost anywhere in the country.

The system has been supported with upgrades to High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA) and HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) technology, positioning it as the most advanced network in the Middle East.

Now, customers with 3G-enabled devices can have unlimited access to this network, with the Unlimited Broadband Plan.

Adel Al Mutawa, Executive Director, Group Communications, explains: "Throughout our research in 2008, customers told us how proud they were that Qatar offered one of the most modern broadband Internet experiences in the world, but they also told us that they wanted to be able to access it without worrying about charges down the road."

"With today's announcement, we are taking an important step towards the vision for Broadband Qatar, where everyone can access the Internet wherever they are for as long as they like. Unlimited mobile broadband means more choices and greater value, especially for the regular user. Customers no longer need to worry about a limited monthly data bundle or any extra charges on their bill," he added.

The Mobile Broadband Unlimited Plan provides customers with a 'no limits' data bundle at QR 400 every month.  There is a one-off QR100 connection fee for new customers.

As an added incentive, customers who subscribe for 12 months to the Unlimited Plan will receive a new Qtel E180 USB modem, worth QR 779, for absolutely free.  The stylish new modem is lighter, smaller and faster, and uses the latest technology in order to take full advantage of HSDPA availability within Qatar. The modem is also available for sale in stores across Qatar. 

Qtel is working with a range of leading partners - including Starlink, Jumbo, PC One and Virgin Megastores - to make this unique opportunity available to as many people as possible, offering a combined pack for sale in stores across Qatar.

As well as the Unlimited Plan, Qtel will continue to offer the Lite, Plus and Max Data Plans, so that customers can select the right pack to suit their monthly budget and data download usage.

Qtel deploys the latest 3.75G in its broadband service, which provides customers with a very fast Internet experience. The network currently provides download speed (HSDPA) up to 7.2 Mbps and an upload speed (HSUPA) up to 2 Mbps.

As well as providing the region's most advanced network, Qtel also works with local schools, family groups and development agencies to ensure that the content on offer matches the traditions and expectations of the Qatari people. This balance of future-looking technological investment and firm roots in the local community has ensured that Qatar's educational and economic development is being fully supported by Internet technology.

The service provides unlimited use of the Internet within Qatar. Customers travelling outside of Qatar will be subject to roaming fees.

Customers who want to have access to Unlimited Broadband Internet - and receive a free USB modem E180 - can drop into any Qtel Shop or participating store and sign-up immediately.

Mobile Broadband in Qatar is available in a range of plans.

Plan

Monthly Fee (QR)

Out-of-Bundle MB (QR)

Lite - 1G

100

0.1

Plus - 3G

200

0.1

Max - 5G

300

0.1

Unlimited

400

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-Ends-

About Qtel Mobile Broadband
Provides on-the-move access to the Internet and freedom to connect anywhere, anytime using Qtel 3.75 G network. Qtel network speed download can be up to 7.2 Mbps and upload speed up to 2 Mbps.

Customers can use the service with Qtel USB modem or any other compatible access device (USB modem, Express card, etc) and take up any of the above Data Plans.

The above data allowance includes only local usage. All roaming charges are added to the monthly bill and not deducted from the monthly allowance.

Qtel USB modems and Mobile Broadband service can be used outside of Qatar. Up-to-date Roaming charges can be found on the Qtel Website.  Customers are strongly advised to check before travelling for charges and availability of data service on foreign carrier networks and to avoid using international roaming until they are aware of international pricing.

The Unlimited Broadband Plan is subject to Qtel's Fair Usage Policy, which denotes the maximum downloaded and uploaded MB and is a legal requirement in line with international standards, designed to prevent abuse and illegal use. It does not affect individual customers' billing, unless there is evidence of misuse.

About Qtel 
Qatar Telecom (Qtel) is the telecommunications service provider licensed by the Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology (ictQATAR) to provide both fixed and mobile telecommunications services in the state of Qatar. We have a presence in 17 countries and we are committed to expansion both in the MENA region and South East Asia. Our vision is to be among the top 20 telecommunications companies in the world by 2020.

Press Release 2009