Qatar Telecom (Qtel) has announced a QR200m ($55m) investment plan to bring high-speed mobile broadband, known as long-term evolution (LTE) or fourth generation (4G), to the country.

The implementation of the 4G network is set to begin immediately. Qtel will deploy nearly 900 base stations across the country to deliver the highest LTE penetration in the GCC.

“Previously, we have said we would launch this technology when it reached maturity and when a full range of devices were available. We have received assurances that a full range of devices will be launched in Qatar over the next year, and have begun the launch process for this technology,” says Waleed al-Sayed chief operating officer at Qtel.