Qtel has rolled out a new SMS directory that allows residents to solicit business or government body information by texting 180.

According to the press release:

In cases where the search item cannot be found, customers will be offered the option to try again with the correct spelling, or directed through to the Qtel Mozaic Portal, which has a directory enquiries search page…

In the case of general searches – such as SMSing “Pizza” when they want to order pizza – the customer will receive back up to 10 records with contact details which match the requested word…

Qtel, which has just reported an 11 percent drop in profit during its second quarter, says the new feature hews to its promise to customers to make information available as conveniently as possible.

The country’s largest telecom provider, which said market forces in Indonesia and Algeria accounted for the drop, has expanded into other markets in recent years, particularly after the introduction of competition from Vodafone.

The competitor has claimed that nearly half of Qatar’s population now uses its services.

Both companies are also moving toward the much-asked for number portability, which will allow residents to change providers without losing their mobile numbers.

Thoughts?

Credit: Photo by Erik_Schlange