Vodafone set new deadlines for Qatar services

Vodafone Qatar has until September 1, 2009 to establish 98 percent coverage of the country, under new terms agreed with telecoms regulator ictQatar.

The Supreme Council for Information and Communication Technology (ictQatar) has published revised licence terms for the second mobile operator following "unforseen delays" experienced by Vodafone.

Under the terms of its licence Vodafone Qatar was required to achieve 98 percent population coverage and launch full services by March but now a new September deadline has been fixed for 98 percent coverage with the launch of services, including two-way phone mobile and SMS, required by July 1.

ictQatar made the decision to amend the license due to unforeseen delays experienced by Vodafone Qatar such as acquiring sites for mobile base stations.

To date, the company has switched on its network, achieved interconnection with Qtel, and has launched a trial service to establish the effectiveness of its network.

Dr Hessa Al-Jaber, ictQatar Secretary General, said: "Despite the fact that Vodafone Qatar has not met the initial target dates set out in its license, ictQatar is satisfied with the progress that has been made on network development and interconnection with Qtel, and looks forward to the launch of competitive telecommunications service in Qatar in the near future."

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