Exciting transformation of Qtel HALA prepaid service offers more choice and great value

The changes will make mobile phone use even more flexible and easy-to-use for both residents and visitors, with many benefits being made available to all new as well as existing customers.

Adel Al Mutawa, Executive Director of Group Communications, Qtel, said: "Today marks an important step forward for mobile telecommunications in Qatar. We have implemented new changes to radically re-energize our HALA service - with easy-to-use features and greater value for money. From day one of our launch these new features are available to both new and existing customers."

The new HALA Pay-As-You-Talk service now offers an extended validity period. Each time a customer tops-up with credit, the account validity is also extended, up to an accumulated maximum of 360 days. If a customer runs out of validity, they will still be able to receive calls and SMS for the first 30 days. Following that, Qtel has introduced an additional re-connect period of 90 days during which customers can still retain their number and any remaining call credit.

When the account is topped-up with any value above QR10 during this time the customer will then be able to resume full service.

If customers use the direct top-up option through Qtel's Self-Service Machines, they will receive up to a 15% bonus in free call credit.

For the first time in Qatar's history, prepaid customers will also benefit from off-peak call rates. This means that Qtel customers making calls between 11pm and 6am, any day of the week, will be able to enjoy the advantage of reduced call costs.

To increase the accessibility even further, a wider range of top-up values will be available from today.

Customers joining Qtel for the first time will benefit from the newer, lower entry cost to connect to the network. Qtel pointed out that, as with the existing HALA service, new SIM cards must be activated by making the first call within 30 days of purchase and the activation call must be made from Qatar.

Al Mutawa explained:

"After undertaking significant research into the needs and expectations of HALA customers, we believe the new HALA Pay-As-You-Talk package provides one of the most attractive pre-paid schemes available anywhere in the region. It combines value-for-money with an exciting range of incentives, which we believe will be hugely popular in Qatar."