Qatar today launched a new secure Government Network initiative in a key step towards a new era of e-government.

The project, which is being implemented by ictQatar, will allow for government agencies to be directly linked together over a secure communications platform, enabling improved data sharing and enhanced security for e-services.

This bold initiative will ensure the delivery of higher qualities of service for the people of Qatar, and provide a framework for greater innovation across fields such as education, healthcare and online support, a statement said.

Leading communications company Qtel is building and hosting the Government Network, in one of the largest and most sophisticated projects ever conducted in the governmental sector in the region, it said.

The project was launched at a meeting participated by senior representatives from Kahramaa, Ministry of Interior and Hukoomi (Qatar Government Online).

Hassan Al-Sayed, executive director of Government Information Management Office (GIMO), ictQatar: “This is an important moment in the development of a new era in the way government services are delivered to the people. Through the innovations under discussion here today, Qatar will lead the world in the delivery of advanced e-government services.

“Our major investment in Government Network initiative helps to lay the foundations for the Qatar National Vision 2030, which will ensure Qatar’s position as an advanced society capable of sustaining its development and providing a high standard of living for its people,” he added.

The solution being put into place and hosted by Qtel is among the most sophisticated in the world, ensuring high levels of privacy and security for personal data, and also ensure clear and open communication between different government agencies, departments and service teams.

Eng Khalid Al Mansouri, executive director of Qtel’s Business Solutions, said: “This is a major undertaking, and the Government Network’s sophistication reflects Qatar’s ambition to build its knowledge-based economy and help position the country on the cutting-edge of  ICT technology being used for the service of our people. By bringing different government entities together on a shared, highly secure network, we will enable initiatives to deliver co-ordinated responses that make a real impact on people’s lives.”

Khalil Al-Emadi, executive director Networks, Qtel, noted: “Qtel has been one of the most significant long-term investors in ICT in Qatar, and the fruits of that investment are now being realized in key sectors across the country. The potential for building one of the most advanced e-Government networks in the world was made possible by Qatar’s vision of development and enlightened leadership.”

The Government Network will provide basic network connectivity to a complete set of managed services, as well as a centralised operational network and a support service 24/7. 

In addition, it will offer redundant, highly secure, high-speed connections to the Internet. Agencies will be able to make their applications and services available to other agencies over a secure platform where they can also exchange data. – TradeArabia News Service