Satyendra Pathak
Doha
In a first of its kind in the history of the FIFA World Cup, Ooredoo has announced that it will supply connectivity for more than 350 official FIFA event buses during the tournament for free.
Ooredoo will make available its managed Wi-Fi along with mobile broadband to ensure seamless, reliable internet access, so that players, FIFA officials and media representatives can stay connected even while travelling to and from tournament venues.
The telco leader will provide connectivity for more than 350 buses via mobile broadband, while 300 of these buses will also offer transportation-grade managed Wi-Fi services. These Wi-Fi services will be monitored and managed in real-time utilising systems hosted in the Ooredoo Qatar Data Centre.
News of the connectivity provision was shared at a press conference held at Ooredoo Tower attended by FIFA Chief Operating Officer World Cup and FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Managing Director Colin Smith and Ooredoo Chief Commercial Officer Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Bin Nasser Al Thani.
Sheikh Nasser said, “Our strategic commitment to investment in innovation, and to partnering with world-leading technology providers, stands us in excellent stead as we step up to provide our state-of-the-art products and services to this phenomenal event. Players and FIFA officials need to stay connected to ensure the smooth running of the tournament and associated events, and our media partners need to be able to share the event with the world, no matter where they are. We’re proud that our investment in innovation and technology, and our vast experience and expertise, will make sure they can.”
Ooredoo will use technology such as Quick Response codes to ensure fast, easy and efficient access to Wi-Fi onboarding each bus.
Powering the buses with mobile broadband and managed Wi-Fi will ensure connectivity for players and FIFA officials, while media representatives will be able to upload files and video content and share broadcasts even when travelling betweenvenues.
Ooredoo’s efforts enabled Qatar to become the first country in the world to operate a commercial 5G network in 2018, with the company testing 5G broadband in moving vehicles shortly after. Its ongoing transformation journey is a testament to its commitment to supporting the country as it works to achieve the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, including digital transformation and development into a truly smart nation.
