Qtel has 50,000 HSDPA device users

A total of 50,000 customers are now connected to Qtel’s 3.5G HSDPA mobile network, the company announced at the weekend, ahead of the launch of its first dedicated 3.5G packages within the next few weeks. Users can already enjoy higher data transfer rates rates using HSDPA-enabled handsets and other devices, and new mobile broadband data tariffs are planned, alongside a new USB modem for laptop users. Qtel launched a 3G W-CDMA network in July 2006, and by the end of last year it had upgraded it with HSDPA technology, and had extended coverage to most of the east coast of Qatar including Doha, Wakrah, Rayyan, Messaieed, Al Khor and Ras Laffan. Qtel says it is continuously working on improving coverage further within these areas and also aims to roll out the 3.5G network to other areas.