Qatar Telecom (Qtel) has announced that it will offer the all-new AC-enabled Linksys Smart Wi-Fi products to selected customers, making it the first in the world to do so.

The new Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router AC 1750 HD Video Pro (model EA6500), seamlessly connects devices such as Smart TVs, Blu-ray players and games consoles at Gigabit speed, wirelessly, using the complementary Linksys AC Universal Media Connector (model WUMC710).

The new router can reach speeds that are approximately three times faster than existing 802.11n models, and offers better range and reliability, a statement from Qtel said.

“Qtel Fibre and the new Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router are a perfect match. Customers can take control of their home entertainment system from anywhere at anytime and easily share video-on-demand, music and video games with their friends at the fastest-ever speeds,” the statement said.

Waleed Al-Sayed, chief operating officer, Qtel, said: “Qtel has worked hard to ensure that we are the first service provider in the world to offer this new solution to our customers. With improved range and the capacity to reach Gigabit speeds over Wi-Fi, we will be able to roll-out richer and more agile video services to our customers.”

“Our investment in a nationwide Qtel Fibre network positions Qatar at the forefront of these new and exciting developments.”

Both the router and universal media connector are due to be made available for Qtel Fibre customers in the coming weeks, the statement said.

Qtel Fibre is the country’s fastest home broadband connection, providing ultrafast internet and next-generation Mozaic TV services.

The company will roll out Qtel Fibre across the country, it said. Already more than 36,000 customers are using the service, and Qtel has installed Fibre to pass 131,000 homes for later activation.

Brett Wingo, vice president and general manager, Cisco home networking unit, said: “The new AC-powered Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router is designed to meet the explosive increase in video consumption and the rapid increase of Wi-Fi enabled devices in the home.”

“With this new model, in partnership with Qtel, we have combined top-of-the-line performance with unmatched usability and intelligence to help consumers get a better experience in the home. It is the ideal Wi-Fi solution for consumers to pair with an extremely-fast broadband connection like Qtel Fibre.” – TradeArabia News Service