Qatar Telecom (Qtel), the leading telecom service provider in Qatar, is trialing innovative new technologies that will greatly improve mobile signal strength in homes and small offices around the country.

The small ‘plug and play’ devices called Femtocells connect directly to Qtel’s broadband network and provide hugely improved mobile broadband and voice signals around the home or in the office.

The technology effectively creates a dedicated 3G network indoors for personal use by Qtel’s customers.

By making Femtocell technology available throughout Qatar, Qtel will be able to ensure that people can always have great indoor coverage for all 3G-enabled phones as well as other devices such as BlackBerry, iPhones, netbooks and USB modems.

With more than 60 per cent of mobile calls in Qatar made indoors, the enhanced signal strength offered by Femtocell technology will provide a better call experience for everyone across Qatar, a statement said.

Qtel’s customers will also notice significantly improved Internet access speeds as well as a greatly enhanced browsing experience.

Trials are being conducted in offices and a number of private residences to determine how the innovative new technology can best be deployed to serve the people of Qatar.

Qtel’s investment in Femtocell technology builds on its recently announced QR600 million ($165 million) investment in its Fibre to the Home (FTTH) plans and its ongoing upgrades of Qatar’s mobile network as well as the company’s commitment to its Broadband Qatar vision.

Femtocell technology is relatively new and only a handful of operators have made the sets available in markets like the USA, Singapore and in Europe. Qtel aims to be among the first wave of companies to introduce this technology in the Middle East. – TradeArabia News Service