Qtel begins test phase of new 4G mobile network

Hundreds of Qatar Telecom (Qtel) customers will take part in one of the region’s largest tests of an ultrafast 4G Long-Term-Evolution (LTE) network, which will let customers easily stream high-bandwidth content — and help boost Qatar’s knowledge-based economy — when Qtel commercially launches the service in the end of 2012. Waleed Al Sayed, Qtel’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “By the end of this year, Qtel customers using the 4G LTE network in Doha will have incredibly fast access to high-bandwidth content such as high-definition (HD) videos and the ability to upload and download big files through the latest generation 4G USB modems and MiFi devices. Qtel is providing the best 4G LTE network for the people of Qatar, and this test phase is an essential step for ensuring the best possible customer experience.” Qtel’s 4G LTE network — slated to offer the best penetration in the GCC and will on average offer speeds that are three-to-six times faster than 3G. Qtel started to rollout its 4G LTE network before Eid, and the company is confident that it will integrate smoothly with the existing 3G network. The launch of the 4G network will eventually improve the experience for all Qtel mobile customers — even those using 2G and 3G devices — since it will enhance network management across the country. With the launch of the test phase, a group of Qtel customers throughout Doha will test the 4G LTE network using the latest generation 4G devices. The selected group will provide feedback to ensure the smoothest possible experience for customers when the service is commercially-launched in the end of 2012. From gulftoday