* Companies will explore co-operation and sharing of best practices in supporting major sporting events


Ooredoo and MegaFon have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) to jointly explore possible future co-operation and share knowledge and experience providing telecoms and ICT services expertise at major sporting events.
The document was signed by Ooredoo CEO Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulla al-Thani and MegaFon CEO Gevork Vermishyan.
According to the non-binding MoU, MegaFon will explore the opportunity to share experience and the possibility to potentially provide Ooredoo with expert assistance on technological infrastructure preparation at mass gatherings and large events.
Ooredoo is responsible for telecom infrastructure for the FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in Qatar in 2022. Currently, the country is actively preparing all the necessary infrastructure to accommodate football fans and clubs from all around the world.
MegaFon was the official provider of all telecom infrastructure and additional services to ensure network quality at all football World Cup 2018 events held in Russia. At that time, the Russian-based company delivered telecom infrastructure and services in 11 cities and 236 venues, including 12 stadiums. Additionally, MegaFon has unique experience in providing connectivity and information services at Olympic and Paralympic Games in Sochi, FIFA Confederation Cup 2017, APEC Summit, G-20, COO, BRICS and other considerable events.
The Qatar-Russia Investment and Trade Advisory (QRITA – a cross-border advisory firm for strengthening business ties between Qatar and Russia, part of Qatari-Russian Centre for Co-operation) - helped lay the groundwork for the potential long-term partnership between Ooredoo and MegaFon and will continue to work with both companies to develop their cross-border collaboration.
Sheikh Mohamed said, “We are delighted to be exploring potential collaboration with such a key player in Russia’s telecommunications industry, an organisation with which we share many common values, objectives and strengths. This MoU aligns with our corporate strategy, which includes a commitment to seeking, formalising and developing partnerships that will enable us to offer our customers the ultimate in digital services, including enhanced experiences at major sporting events. We look forward to working with MegaFon for the benefit of both countries both now and in the future.”
Vermishyan added, “During the last 10 years, we have gained extensive experience in telecommunication services delivery for outstanding public events. In addition to Olympic and Paralympic Games in Sochi, Kazan Universiade and others, we were able to prepare technological infrastructure at the highest level during the FIFA World Cup 2018 and delighted fans with our ultra-speed reliable network. I am confident that Qatari partners will bring the quality to a new level at the 2022 World Cup and we will be happy to potentially assist them with our experience and competence. We are proud that MegaFon will once again bring value to one of the most grand-scale events in the world.”
Ooredoo has hosted a booth at SPIEF, showcasing its 5G network and use cases and its preparations for the upcoming major sporting tournament being held in Qatar in 2022.
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