Qatar Telecom (Qtel) said it has joined hands with KT Corporation of Korea to develop joint solutions for the new generation of “Smart Cities” across the country.

KT Corp is Korea's largest integrated wired/wireless communications service provider and country's leader in the development of the information & communications business for the last 25 years.

As per the agreement, Qtel and KT will launch a range of new products and solutions designed specifically for organisations involved in the development of smart cities, including developers, infrastructure companies, governmental and corporate entities.

In addition, the duo will create a long-term integrated management solution, to enable developers to fully manage development operations and extend a range of value-added services for businesses and residents of the new developments.

Khalid Abdulla Al Mansouri, executive director, Business Solutions, Qtel, said: 'We are united in driving the development of the knowledge-based economy and building the best possible urban environments across Qatar.'

'With this new partnership, Qtel is offering the highest level of solutions and services to ensure that the new generation of Smart Cities can offer people the best possible lifestyle options,' he noted.

The “smart city” concept is central to the long-term development vision of many countries, placing information technology at the heart of new projects to enable a smart economy, smart mobility, a smart environment, and smart governance.

Typically, these developments integrate urban construction with “software” such as medical care, security, architecture and green technology, said Al Mansouri.

Korea has been one of the global pioneers in the field of Smart City development, with developments like New Songdo City deploying the latest technology to minimise energy use and environmental impact, and transform the lifestyle of residents, he noted.

Qatar has plans to be a leader in the growth of Smart Cities, with more than 10 major master projects already under development, he added.

Dr Kim Hansuk, senior executive vice president and head of Global Business Unit, KT Corporation said, Smart City developments are transforming urban environments around the world, helping to reduce energy use and transforming the range of services provided.

'Bringing together the advanced technology portfolio of KT Corporation and the in-depth industry knowledge of Qtel will provide an important contribution to the growth of Smart Cities in Qatar,' he noted.

One of the services being developed is a Smart City “command centre,” a central platform that enables
developers to monitor and manage all services across the City through a unified control point.

In addition, the two companies are exploring the potential of digital signage services, security and intelligent building provision, remote healthcare and remote learning services.

As well as bespoke solutions, the two companies will work together to review emerging technologies and assess their deployment within Smart Cities.

Qtel has a long-standing track record of supporting real estate development and management companies across Qatar.-TradeArabia News Service