Fast network, ‘fast’ offers

Qatar Telecom (Qtel) has completed an upgrade of its 3G mobile network to 21Mbps (download)/5.8Mbps (upload) HSPA+ standard, and will soon begin trials of 42Mbps HSPA+ services. The operator also announced several new offers during Ramadan, the Islamic holy month involving fasting during daylight hours. Throughout the period every pre-paid customer spending QAR10 (USD2.75) in a single day will be instantly rewarded with QAR10 extra credit to be used within the same day; Qtel also reduced the cost of sending MMS messages. Alongside its speed enhancements, Qtel has extended the indoor and outdoor coverage of its HSPA network by boosting the number of towers across the country. It currently supports a network of nearly 600 external towers and 150 indoor transmitters, and says it is investing in extending the network coverage on a monthly basis. Qtel also claimed in a press release that its latest 21Mbps-capable USB wireless modem has become the ‘fastest selling broadband connection in Qatar in the summer of 2010.’ The new faster services do not affect end-user data charges or other tariffs.