Qtel will enhance support for future editions of Sony Ericsson Championships Doha

Having a completed a three-year sponsorship agreement for the major season-ending women's tennis tournament, Qtel is well-placed to expand the depth of support provided for the 2009 and 2010 editions in Qatar. It is also looking at adapting the tools used for the 2008 event for other events, both in Qatar and further afield.

Over 17,000 customers in Qatar subscribed to the special SMS alert service that ran throughout the tournament, providing free updates on the latest scores and results from the matches. In total, over 500,000 updates were delivered in the course of the Sony Ericsson Championships.

In addition, Qtel's Mozaic Mobile portal was able to support the Sony Ericsson Mobile Event Guide, a popular interactive service that provided video and pictures from the matches. Qtel volunteers also distributed tennis balls and water throughout the duration of the event.

Feedback from international media and sports officials on the quality of the infrastructure and facilities provided by Qtel was universally positive.

Adel Al Mutawa, Executive Director of Group Communications, Qtel, said:

"As a new sponsor of the Sony Ericsson Championships Doha, we are very pleased at the overwhelming response we have received from spectators and from our partners at the event. This year's Sony Ericsson Championships brought all of Qatar together to enjoy some spectacular tennis, and we're proud to have provided a distinct Qtel contribution."

Qtel is investigating the potential to deploy its highly popular Mozaic Mobile and Mozaic TV + services to support future events, as well as investigating a range of technology solutions that could help bring sport closer to the wider population.

The company is a long-term supporter of sport in Qatar and the region, having recently been named as a key sponsor for the AFC Asian Cup tournament, to be held in Qatar in 2011, and the Asian Champions League for 2009-2012, as well as working as the Official Telecommunications Partner for the Gulf Cup 2009.