Qtel, the primary telecom provider in Qatar, has announced plans to launch faster mobile broadband internet across the country, upgrading infrastructure to fourth generation (4G) wireless standards. The 200 million riyal project will come online gradually over the next three years. 

Speaking at a press conference at Qtel headquarters in West Bay this afternoon, Waleed Al Sayed, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, said the new broadband internet service would offer speeds of up to 150 Mbps, allowing for the streaming of High Definition video.

In order to provide the service, Qtel is installing 900 Base Stations across the country with the aim of “delivering the best penetration for 4G coverage in the GCC region.” populated urban areas, such as Doha, would be the first to see the service during the three-year roll-out. 

The 4G network will be utilizing “Long-Term Evolution” (LTE) technology, which is the same standard used by major carriers in the United States and elsewhere around the world.

Regarding price, Qtel officials insist that it will “have to be affordable”, but said the pricing scheme is currently under review by Supreme Council of Information & Communication Technology (ICTQatar).

Here’s the full press release:

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Correction: An earlier version of this story mistakenly stated the project’s cost as 2 million riyal, rather than 200 million riyal.

Credit: Photo by Hector Milla