QNBN underlines nationwide 2015 target, USD500m initial CAPEX

Passive fibre network operator Qatar National Broadband Network (QNBN) has reiterated plans to expand direct fibre broadband access nationwide by 2015, and confirmed that it has budgeted an approximate initial capital expenditure (CAPEX) of QAR1.82 billion (USD500 million). CEO Mohamed al-Mannai said: ‘The company’s mission is to empower the country with high speed broadband fibre access (100Mbps) to citizens and businesses alike through maximum nationwide coverage.’ As previously reported by CommsUpdate, Qatar Telecom (Qtel) and Vodafone Qatar are onboard the project and have agreements in place with QNBN that define the cooperation framework for building/operating infrastructure and delivering services. QNBN will lease passive fibre infrastructure for multi-play telecom services and aims to set appropriate national wholesale prices for operators to ensure low retail rates across Qatar, with end-users offered the choice of service provider.