Siemens Wins Arabian 3G Contract

Siemens is building the first 3G network in Qatar on the Arabian Peninsula. Qatar's telecommunications provider Qatar Telecom (Qtel) has commissioned Siemens to supply and install its 3G/W-CDMA network. Siemens will thus supply 3G packet and switch technologies and also maintain and operate them for a period of one year. In addition, Siemens will install 3G/W-CDMA base stations featuring High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), an extension of 3G/W-CDMA that offers peak data rates of up to 14.4 Mbit/s. The contract is valued at a total of around US$24 million.

In time for the Doha Asian Games in Qatar in December 2006, the world's second-largest sports event after the Olympics, Qtel subscribers and visitors will be able to enjoy 3G applications and services.

"As Qtel is the official telecommunications partner for the games, we are serious about our commitment and support towards meeting the world-class technological requirements for the games and ensuring that Qtel also plays a major role in organizing the best Asian games ever", said Dr. Nasser Marafih, CEO of Qatar Telecom.

Qtel has been using second generation core network technology from Siemens since 1993. Qtel continues to be the country's sole GSM network operator and W-CDMA licensee, with a subscriber base of more than 600,000 customers."

Posted to the site on 7th July 2005