Qtel upgrading 3.5G network to 14.4Mbps

Qatar Telecom (Qtel) announced yesterday that it will complete the next phase of its mobile broadband network upgrade in February, to provide internet download speeds up to a theoretical maximum of 14.4Mbps over its HSDPA platform, which it claims will be in the fastest in the country, according to a report by Al-Bawaba. The upgrade, which began in the last quarter of 2009, involves the replacement of base station equipment across Qatar, and enhanced connectivity being introduced across the network. In parallel, Qtel has initiated a trial of 14.4Mbps compatible devices, and as a result, users of 3.5G-enabled mobile phones, USB modems and datacards will all benefit from improved downstream data speeds and enhanced quality of services.