Vodafone Qatar, which has been aggressively expanding its 5G roll-out, is expecting to provide 5G coverage to major parts of the country by 2022 in time for the FIFA World Cup, according to the telecommunications company’s chief executive officer.
 Responding to a question from Gulf Times during a launch event and press conference yesterday, Sheikh Hamad Abdulla al-Thani said: “Similar to 4G, it would take around three years to cover the whole of Qatar with 5G. 
“This technology requires more sites, so we expect that by 2022 the majority of the country will have 5G coverage,” continued Sheikh Hamad, who, together with brand ambassador Mohamed Saadon al-Kuwari, led the launch event for Vodafone Qatar’s 5G network reach and its three new ‘Unlimited 5G’ plans.
Sheikh Hamad said the extensive reach of Vodafone Qatar’s 5G network covers key locations across the country, including 70% of Doha. Among the locations where Vodafone Qatar’s 5G network is live are Al Rayyan, Al Aziziya, Al Hilal, Al Gharaffa, Al Sadd, Al Wakrah, Abu Hamour, Nuaija, Education City, Khartiyat, Mamoura, Msheireb, Old Airport, The Pearl, Al Thumama, Umm Salal, and West Bay.
“Vodafone Qatar has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to building a world-class infrastructure in support of the realisation of the Qatar National Vision 2030. 
Since switching on our 5G network just over a year ago, our coverage map highlights our rapid progress in deploying 5G across Qatar. 
With expansion continuing, Qatar will undoubtedly be placed among the ranks of the world’s most connected countries,” Sheikh Hamad said.
Vodafone Qatar’s three new Unlimited 5G plans, available in both consumer and business variants – ‘Unlimited 300’, ‘Unlimited 450’, and ‘Unlimited VIP’ – are designed to enable both consumer and business customers to use 5G speeds and never run out of data while in Qatar. 
On top of unlimited data, customers can enjoy unlimited local calls and SMS, worry-free data roaming in up to 120 countries and up to 500 international calls, which in the business variant could also be used to receive roaming calls, at no extra cost. Exclusive rewards and privileges are additional with each plan, including Qmiles and Valet Parking.
Diego Camberos, chief operating officer, said: “Vodafone Qatar is proud to make the exceptional freedom of 5G connectivity available to more people, and in more homes and offices, through our market-leading plans and services for consumers and businesses, which set new standards for the industry.”
To celebrate the launch of their new ‘Unlimited 5G plans’, customers can now take advantage of a special offer and receive a QR50 discount on ‘Unlimited 300’ or ‘Business Unlimited 300’ and ‘Unlimited 450’ or ‘Business Unlimited 450’ for six months valid until December 31, 2019.
Vodafone Qatar first made 5G commercially available in April this year with the launch of its innovative home Internet solution – GigaHome, which guarantees Wi-Fi in every room, whatever the size of house, using a state-of-the-art Wi-Fi Hub powered by Vodafone’s GigaNet network. 
The business version for office use, GigaBusiness, was launched shortly after. With the significant expansion of Vodafone Qatar’s 5G network, customers that subscribe to GigaHome will receive two months free. Also, business customers will save QR200 per month for 12 months when they sign up for GigaBusiness 100 Mbps.
For more information on Vodafone 5G and the new Unlimited 5G plans, visit the nearest Vodafone store or go to www.vodafone.qa/5G.
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