Households in Qatar now have access to some of the fastest internet speeds in the world, after Ooredoo launched its new 1Gbps fiber service this week.

That kind of speed would allow a user to download a two-hour HD movie in two minutes, Ooredoo said.

The state-backed telecoms company added that Qatar is now one of only 10 countries around the world where such a home service is available.

Other nations appear to include the US, Singapore and South Korea, which is the world leader in internet speed and rolled out 1Gpbs in 2011 for $27 (QR98) a month.

In Qatar, however, those speeds will cost QR1,900/month ($522) – though households who choose to upgrade their package will get two months free.

But this is still lower than the 1Gbps package offered in the UAE, which retails at around AED4,600 a month.

Faster speeds

Providing affordable high-speed internet to the entire population is among the goals laid out in Qatar’s national broadband strategy.

According to that document, officials want 95 percent of the country’s households to have access to broadband service of at least 100 Mbps for downloads and 50 Mbps upload speeds by the end of this year.

Before Ooredoo announced its new super-speedy service, the fastest broadband internet it offered was 300 Mbps, which was rolled out in February.

Currently, its only competitor Vodafone Qatar offers up to 100 Mbps.

An Ooredoo spokesperson told Doha News that the 1Gbps service is now available in 99 percent of Qatar homes with fiber internet.

However, not all computers, tablets and phones are compatible with such high speeds, and those who want to upgrade should check their device specs for more information.

Residents can upgrade by calling 111, visiting an Ooredoo branch or by going online.

Thoughts?