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All Ooredoo customers, both post-paid and pre-paid, will be able to access ultra-fast 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile broadband service, which will be available in most populated areas of the country from tomorrow.
“On October 1, we will launch a major upgrade of 4G services in Qatar”, Ooredoo Group chairman HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohamed bin Saud al-Thani told Gulf Times yesterday.
With the new upgrade, both Shahry and Hala customers using Hala Weekly Packs or Shahry Mobile Data Packs, can now access Ooredoo’s 4G service using the 4G key.
The upgrade also means that, for the first time, customers using compatible smartphones can enjoy 4G services, as well as customers using MyFi and Ooredoo USB modems.
Major handset manufacturers have brought to the market several 4G-compliant smart phones, an Ooredoo source said.
Since its launch in April 2013, Ooredoo’s 4G service has seen major network upgrades across Qatar, increasing the number of base sites to more than double network coverage in order to provide the best customer experience.
In addition to Doha, 4G is now available in Wakrah, Dukhan, Shahaniya and Sumaysimah. Customers can also use 4G at the Sealine Beach Resort and the Lusail International Circuit.
The source confirmed that it was “currently running ahead of its announced schedule that will see the company provide 4G services to all inhabited areas of Qatar by the first half of 2014”.
With Ooredoo 4G, customers can experience connection speeds that are up to six times faster than the existing 3G network. This enables seamless connections when browsing multimedia-rich websites, updating social media, or streaming music and HD video with 4G USB modems and My-Fi devices. For example, customers can download a 600MB album or HD movie in just a few minutes and upload very big files in the blink of an eye.
Since 2012, hundreds of customers have been testing the 4G LTE network, with Ooredoo using their feedback to optimise the user experience.
Ooredoo Qatar chief operating officer Waleed Mohamed al-Sayed told Gulf Times that all company shops across the country have been seeing “high demand” from customers of all age groups.
He also said a significant number of Ooredoo customers were now using electronic channels either for bill settlement or purchase of products and services.
“Our self-service kiosks are now being used widely; this is one of the best investments we have made,” al-Sayed said.
Ooredoo has about 200 self-service kiosks placed at convenient locations across Qatar.
New flagship shop and headquarters
Ooredoo’s new flagship shop and headquarters (HQ2) were opened at the Airport Road by group chairman HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohamed bin Saud al-Thani, in the presence of a delegation of senior officials and representatives of major organisations. The theme of the event was “Racing to the future”, as Ooredoo showcased the technologies, processes and innovations that will help deliver the best possible customer experience.
