Qatar dials "3" for new mobile numbers

While customers have grown used to the traditional 5 and 6 series of mobile numbers, the ongoing growth of mobile phone usage in Qatar has created a shortage of available combinations and the need for a new number series.

Qtel's highly-successful launch of the enhanced HALA Pay As You Talk service this week has added to national demand, necessitating the launch of the whole new series in November, earlier than previously anticipated.

The number range is set to go live at 3pm on Thursday 13th, with over 200,000 new combinations becoming immediately available.

Strong demand is expected, as people look for personalized mobile numbers and the cachet of owning some of the first of the "3" series in Qatar.

Adel Al Mutawa, Executive Director of Group Communications, Qtel, said: "The launch of the new range of '3' mobile numbers marks another important step in Qtel's development, reflecting the strong and ongoing growth in our customer base here in our home market of Qatar."

"In Qtel's experience, when new number ranges are released, there is an immediate reaction across the country as people look for their personalized number of choice. We have prepared our Qtel Shops for the anticipated run of customers, and they are ready to receive inquiries and new account sales," he added.

The first range of 3-series SIM cards will be available from suppliers across Qatar from this week onwards.

Al Mutawa concluded: "With the rapid growth of mobile phone usage and interest in the diverse range of features offered by Qtel, the new number range is both essential to enable ongoing growth and hugely exciting for our customers."