Rahul Preeth
Doha
Ten years ago, Vodafone Qatar was a fledgling telecom firm that was building up a network from scratch. Today, it’s at the cusp of a 5G revolution that will enable people and businesses enjoy ultra-fast internet in Qatar on a large scale.
"It is exciting to imagine what the advances in the technologies of tomorrow will be capable of,” Vodafone Qatar CEO Sheikh Hamad Abdulla Jassim al Thani said on Monday, at an event to mark the domestic telecom giant’s 10th anniversary, which is falling on March 1.
This future envisioned by Vodafone promises the possibility of watching the 2022 FIFA World Cup virtually from the comfort of one’s room to offering gigabit capability at homes.
Vodafone Qatar is primed to be at the forefront of the digital revolution taking shape in Qatar, having already invested QR8 billion in attendant infrastructure, research and technology over the past decade, Sheikh Hamad said.
While around 50 percent of the investment went into developing technologies related to "mobility”, the chief executive said, at least $1 billion was invested in providing innovative offerings in the past two years.
And at the forefront of these innovations is Vodafone Qatar’s preparation to launch 5G on a large scale in Qatar.
Vodafone has achieved huge progress in building its 5G network, after switching it on in August last year. It is one of the first operators in the world to go live with 5G commercially and has rolled out its 5G network in key locations across the country, including Al Waab, Abu Hamour, Al Aziziya, Al Mamoura, Al Rayyan, Katara Cultural Village, Salwa Road, Souq Waqif and Um Salal Muhammed.
The technology will takeoff across the country on a large scale soon, he said, adding that the company is exploring ways to make compatible devices available in the country.
"5G is more than just about faster smartphones,” Sheikh Hamad said, noting the higher speeds that come with this technology would help realise possibilities such as automated drones or smart homes or any realm that requires seamless interaction among machines a reality.”
He said Vodafone Qatar is exploring the possibility of rolling out 5G as soon as possible for the general public.
"As we have since our beginning nearly ten years ago, we will continue our strong commitment to pioneer digital innovation in Qatar and to be a leading contributor to the bold and ambitious aims of the Qatar National Vision 2030,” he added.
Diego Camberos, Vodafone Qatar’s Chief Operations Officer, who announced the launch of its new brand campaign — "Giganet: The network of the future”, said, "The digital era is well underway and with it comes a wide spectrum of opportunities that are changing and improving the way people live, work and operate businesses.”
For the people of Qatar, he said, Vodafone GigaNet is a promise of a great digital experience bringing the best of the world on their fingertips.
"For businesses, it is a partnership for a better future supported by the latest technological solutions for growth and sustainability.”
Vodafone Qatar’s technological milestones to date have positioned it at the forefront of the digital era, said Ramy Boctor, Vodafone Qatar’s Chief Technology Officer.
Doha
Ten years ago, Vodafone Qatar was a fledgling telecom firm that was building up a network from scratch. Today, it’s at the cusp of a 5G revolution that will enable people and businesses enjoy ultra-fast internet in Qatar on a large scale.
"It is exciting to imagine what the advances in the technologies of tomorrow will be capable of,” Vodafone Qatar CEO Sheikh Hamad Abdulla Jassim al Thani said on Monday, at an event to mark the domestic telecom giant’s 10th anniversary, which is falling on March 1.
This future envisioned by Vodafone promises the possibility of watching the 2022 FIFA World Cup virtually from the comfort of one’s room to offering gigabit capability at homes.
Vodafone Qatar is primed to be at the forefront of the digital revolution taking shape in Qatar, having already invested QR8 billion in attendant infrastructure, research and technology over the past decade, Sheikh Hamad said.
While around 50 percent of the investment went into developing technologies related to "mobility”, the chief executive said, at least $1 billion was invested in providing innovative offerings in the past two years.
And at the forefront of these innovations is Vodafone Qatar’s preparation to launch 5G on a large scale in Qatar.
Vodafone has achieved huge progress in building its 5G network, after switching it on in August last year. It is one of the first operators in the world to go live with 5G commercially and has rolled out its 5G network in key locations across the country, including Al Waab, Abu Hamour, Al Aziziya, Al Mamoura, Al Rayyan, Katara Cultural Village, Salwa Road, Souq Waqif and Um Salal Muhammed.
The technology will takeoff across the country on a large scale soon, he said, adding that the company is exploring ways to make compatible devices available in the country.
"5G is more than just about faster smartphones,” Sheikh Hamad said, noting the higher speeds that come with this technology would help realise possibilities such as automated drones or smart homes or any realm that requires seamless interaction among machines a reality.”
He said Vodafone Qatar is exploring the possibility of rolling out 5G as soon as possible for the general public.
"As we have since our beginning nearly ten years ago, we will continue our strong commitment to pioneer digital innovation in Qatar and to be a leading contributor to the bold and ambitious aims of the Qatar National Vision 2030,” he added.
Diego Camberos, Vodafone Qatar’s Chief Operations Officer, who announced the launch of its new brand campaign — "Giganet: The network of the future”, said, "The digital era is well underway and with it comes a wide spectrum of opportunities that are changing and improving the way people live, work and operate businesses.”
For the people of Qatar, he said, Vodafone GigaNet is a promise of a great digital experience bringing the best of the world on their fingertips.
"For businesses, it is a partnership for a better future supported by the latest technological solutions for growth and sustainability.”
Vodafone Qatar’s technological milestones to date have positioned it at the forefront of the digital era, said Ramy Boctor, Vodafone Qatar’s Chief Technology Officer.