Ooredoo Qatar is leading Ooredoo Group’s efforts to deploy next-generation networks. It was among the first operators globally to launch commercial 5G and a live 5G network on the 3.5GHz spectrum band. With the latest network technology (5G NR), the 5G service offers much higher speeds, greater capacity, and better latency compared to existing cellular systems. Ooredoo Qatar’s 5G launch is the latest in a long line of technological milestones, which has placed Ooredoo Group consistently at the forefront of telecom and IT innovations in the Middle East and around the world.
Ooredoo Qatar launched its 5G network for compatible smartphone users in 2019 with 100 live 5G base stations in Doha. More than 2,200 sites have now been upgraded across Qatar, allowing 4G and 5G traffic to run simultaneously on the same frequency band and radio hardware, rapidly enhancing the 5G capabilities and reach of Ooredoo's network. By the end of 2021, Ooredoo Qatar’s 5G coverage extended to 98% of the population and its fibre network was expanded into newly developed areas.
To ensure continued 5G transformation for consumers, Ooredoo Qatar has formed several strategic partnerships with Ericsson. These partnerships include successfully testing the 200MHz mid-band spectrum and achieving a record system throughput of 4.2 Gbps using the latest Radio System products, which positioned Ooredoo Qatar among the first globally to achieve this milestone.
In 2021, Ooredoo Qatar and Ericsson collaborated to ensure that Ooredoo’s football fan customers will enjoy 5G connectivity during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Ooredoo Qatar and Ericsson will work together to provide network optimization, event management and 5G connectivity in eight stadiums as well as in dedicated fan zones, airports and places of attraction across six cities. This partnership allows Ericsson and Ooredoo Qatar to manage 5G radio access network (RAN) operation through Ericsson Managed Services solutions. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Automation, 2022 World Cup Fans will enjoy enhanced networks and an exceptional viewing experience both inside and outside the stadiums.
Ooredoo Qatar also led the 5G rollout in Hamad Port, the first 5G-enabled seaport in the Middle East. Today, the 5G network at Hamad Port’s Container Terminal 2 covers a space of more than 571,00sqm. Essential functions at Container Terminal 2 will now benefit from ultra-fast speed, low latency and real-time data that can be used for remote crane and rubber-tyred gantry operations, connected assets, remote inspection and maintenance, data centre connectivity and more.
Additionally, Ooredoo Qatar now offers Shahry 5G plans, which include unlimited data at unrestricted speeds and the addition of sports content via the BeIN Connect service. More than 200,000 customers have signed up for its Shahry 5G plans confirming the success of Ooredoo’s 5G deployment. The Company also launched ‘Shamel Pro’, which offers customers unlimited benefits including non-stop 5G internet calls, roaming internet and gift vouchers which enable them to stream the latest content such as music, video, and gaming services.
Moreover, Ooredoo Qatar is pioneering various innovative 5G use-cases with the potential to transform key industries including sports, healthcare and transportation, and benefit Qatari citizens and residents. These include:
- Sports: Immersive Football Fan experience to enhance and transform physical events & sports fan experiences. Multiple camera angles streaming, Behind the scenes displays and premium content
- Gaming: Futuristic 8K VR technology on a modern houseboat, which offers a seamless ultra-realistic gaming experience;
- Smart stadium technologies: intelligent autonomous drones with HD cameras and streaming capabilities to assist visitors and ensure security at mega-events such as the 2022 football tournament in Qatar; and
- Smart city: Qatar’s first-ever planned smart city, Lusail, which leverages 5G infrastructure to enable real-time insights on Lusail Light Rail’s performance, provide state-of-the-art security for critical national infrastructure and support smart transport innovations both in-station and via apps.
