It now ranks 23rd out of 144 countries in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) 2013 networked business index. Its closest GCC rivals, the UAE and Bahrain, are at 25 and 29 respectively. The past eight years have seen greater competition in services and coverage for market leader Ooredoo (formerly Qatar Telecom), with the arrival of Vodafone Qatar in 2008, and also the rebranding of the partly state-owned firm.

Infrastructure improvement and development of the fixed-line and mobile sectors is now a priority for Doha. Qatar National Broadband Network is aiming for fibre-to-the-home infrastructure to reach 95 per cent of homes and 100 per cent of businesses by 2015, with maximum high-speed coverage. A national broadband plan, overseen by state regulator ICTQatar, wants to have at least two broadband retail providers by 2016. By the same date, 95 per cent of households should have access to high-quality broadband of at least 100Mb a second (Mbps) download and 50Mbps upload speeds, and digital connections linking all businesses, schools, healthcare centres and government bodies. The WEF index already ranks the country 12th out of 144 in terms of households having access to the internet.

Qatar’s mobile penetration rate is 168 per cent, according to Ooredoo’s latest financial report. Ooredoo has the majority share of the market at 67 per cent.

In April, Ooredoo launched 4G mobile broadband services, and Vodafone plans to do the same later this year.

In line with demand for faster services and increased access to data, Qatar has also had to match the expectations of mobile customers over consumer rights. In January this year, ICTQatar launched a Consumer Protection Policy guaranteeing that services purchased are “fit for purpose”. The policy was set to take effect within three months, according to ICTQatar.

Obtaining a number

To get an Ooredoo “Hala” prepaid SIM card, go to any Ooredoo shop or a mobile phone store. You will need to bring your passport or Qatari ID. Postpaid plans are not available to visitors without residency visas. A SIM will cost QR50 ($13.70), and comes with QR25 of credit. It is free to change to a “Shahry” post-paid account later. A welcome pack containing a prepaid Vodafone SIM card can be bought at any Vodafone store or online for QR25.

To get a post-paid contract from Vodafone, customers must provide Qatari ID with a valid residency permit, along with their credit card details. If you do not have a credit card, Vodafone will take a deposit of QR100, which will be deducted from the first bill.