Qtel, the leading telecom service provider in Qatar, has begun the test phase of its ultrafast 4G long-term-evolution (LTE) network, which the telco plans to launch by the end of 2012.

Waleed Al Sayed, Qtel’s chief operating officer, said: “By the end of this year, Qtel customers using the 4G LTE network in Doha will have incredibly fast access to high-bandwidth content such as high-definition (HD) videos and the ability to upload and download big files through the latest generation 4G USB modems and MiFi devices.

“Qtel is providing the best 4G LTE network for the people of Qatar, and this test phase is an essential step for ensuring the best possible customer experience.”

Qtel’s 4G LTE network – slated to offer the best penetration in the GCC – will on average offer speeds that are three-to-six times faster than 3G, he added.

Qtel started to rollout its 4G LTE network before Eid, and the company is confident that it will integrate smoothly with the existing 3G network, Al Sayed said.

With the launch of the test phase, a group of Qtel customers throughout Doha will test the 4G LTE network using the latest generation 4G devices and provide feedback.

As part of the build-up phase, Qtel has installed 100 antennas throughout Doha. Earlier, Qtel received the 800 Mhz and 2,600 Mhz bandwidth frequencies from the Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology (ictQatar).

After the trial, Qtel will launch its 4G LTE network to all customers starting in Doha. Customers will need to upgrade their mobile devices so that they are compatible with the 4G LTE network.

“Qtel will work with leading vendors to make sure that 4G mobile devices are available to people living in Qatar at affordable prices,” said Waleed Al Sayed.

Qtel’s 4G will serve as a complementary service to its Qtel Fibre, providing the people in Qatar with ultrafast on-the-go Internet access. – TradeArabia News Service