Eight global telecoms operators seek to establish fixed line operations in Qatar

The operators have officially registered interest in applying for Qatar's second fixed telecommunications license. The international companies are applying alone or as part of consortia.

It is expected that the winning operator will be announced in May 2008. The companies expressing interest are:

1. AT&T [US]
2. Batelco[ Bahrain]
3. British Telecom (through a regional subsidiary) [UK]
4. Eutelia [Italy]
5. Jordan Telecom [Orange/France Telecom] [Jordan /France]
6. PCCW [Hong Kong]
7. Verizon [US]
8. Vodafone [UK]

Because of the level of international interest, ictQATAR has extended the closing date for applications from 6 March 2008 to 3 April 2008.

The competition process will be a comparative evaluation (known in the industry as a 'beauty contest') designed to select the provider best suited for the Qatari market. ictQATAR will evaluate such criteria as quality of the network, range of proposed services, and level of commitment to the public.

ictQATAR Secretary General Dr. Hessa Al -Jaber said, "We are delighted that so many renowned international operators are interested in competing here for fixed line home and business customers. Just like in the mobile market, choice in fixed line service providers will bring consumers excellent service and value."

"We are confident that the award of this license will further ictQATAR's vision of state-of-the-art infrastructure with high-speed broadband and innovative services for every Qatari citizen and business," Dr. Hessa concluded.