Ooredoo has reached the “historic milestone” of more than 3mn customers in Qatar – the highest number ever recorded by the company.

The total customer base includes mobile, fixed line, broadband, entertainment and business solution customers, and the company has seen a surge in growth across all areas in 2014, driven by Ooredoo’s expanding portfolio of services and the on-going dynamism of Qatar’s economy.

Mobile service growth has been particularly strong, with Ooredoo now supporting more than 2.5mn mobile customers in Qatar. Ooredoo has successfully grown its base of post-paid customers over the past year, as Shahry has emerged as the fastest-growing mobile service in Qatar.

One of the most important factors driving the growth of Ooredoo’s customer base has been the rising use of data across business and customers throughout Qatar. Ooredoo is the data market leader in the leader, with 26% year-on-year data revenue growth and 80% mobile broadband penetration at end-2013.

Ooredoo Qatar CEO Sheikh Saud bin Nasser al-Thani said, “Today, we pass another important stage on our journey of development and growth. We now serve 3mn customers and we pledge to provide the best possible services to each and every one, from people using our Hala service, through to companies deploying the pioneering business solutions.”

“We are striving to make Qatar the best-connected country not just in the region, but in the world. Our focus on the customer experience and the cutting-edge of new technology is ensuring that we build upon our leadership position, and deliver more and better for our customers,” he added.

Since launching the Ooredoo brand in March 2013, the company has seen the highest brand equity scores in its history, reflecting its deepening bond with its customers. The launch of a range of new services – including simplified data offers, Qatar’s first and only 4G network, and its nationwide Ooredoo Fibre network – has also struck a chord with Qatar’s progressive customers.

Ooredoo passed the milestone of more than 100,000 fibre customers in 2013. Ooredoo’s investment in fibre will continue throughout 2014.

In addition to expanding the network across Qatar, Ooredoo is planning a “sizeable infrastructure investment” and “capacity-building programme” in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup 2022.