Ooredoo, a leading international communications company delivering mobile, fixed, broadband internet and corporate managed services, is gearing up to launch 4G network in Qatar, Oman and Kuwait this year.

As part of its network enhancement strategy, and commitment to delivering the leading communications technology across its footprint, Ooredoo has completed commercial launches of the 4G Mobile Broadband network in Qatar and Oman, with Kuwait set for later in 2013.

Across its footprint, Ooredoo is providing customers with the latest network technology and continuing to upgrade existing networks, tied to its vision of supporting human growth.

The 4G Long-Term-Evolution (LTE) is the fastest-ever mobile broadband network, with connection speeds that are three-to-six times as fast as 3G.

Group CEO Dr Nasser Marafih said: “We are the region’s leader in delivering the ultrafast 4G Mobile Broadband network in 2013, as we have launched 4G services in Qatar, Oman and Kuwait. Throughout our footprint, we have been implementing our long-term strategy of network enhancement, providing the best experience for customers on our 2G, 3G or 4G networks -- and the results are already being enjoyed across the region.”

Customers in Ooredoo’s footprint have been rapidly subscribing to 4G services, driven by the popularity of more affordable smartphones and increasing need for mobile data.

"Business customers have used 4G to become more efficient and flexible, while enhancing their customer service. Employees can keep on top of work duties while on the go, videoconference with colleagues and transfer large files," stated Dr Marafih.

Meanwhile consumer customers have used 4G to stream HD video and music, browse multimedia-rich websites and update social media.

According to him, thousands of customers in Qatar have already signed up for 4G since Ooredoo Qatar launched the service in April 2013.

"Currently, 4G is available to customers using Ooredoo’s 4G-enabled My-Fi devices and USB modems in the capital of Doha, and Sealine Beach Resort. The company is bringing 4G to additional devices by the end of 2013, and is rapidly rolling-out 4G to cover all inhabited areas of Qatar by the end of 2014," he noted.

In Oman, Nawras launched 4G in February 2013, starting in the capital of Muscat. Nawras has also been strengthening the indoor coverage of its “turbocharged” 3G+ network by transmitting 3G on the 900 MHz and 2100 MHz spectrum.

This enables customers to have a better online experience at home, at work or on the go -- with faster broadband data download speeds and smoother Internet browsing. As part of its Network Turbocharging programme, Nawras is committed to delivering 3G+ to nearly the whole population by the end of 2014.

Meanwhile Wataniya Kuwait is in the middle of a 4G pilot project, with the network available in 20 heavily-trafficked locations throughout the country.

Beyond the Gulf region, Wataniya Maldives launched trials for the country’s first-ever 4G network in April 2013, as part of the company’s network modernisation project, revealed the top official.

And Indosat in Indonesia has received government license approval for the 900 MHz band, allowing the company to introduce 4G services when the market is ready.

Throughout Ooredoo’s footprint, when customers travel outside of the 4G coverage area, they can find seamless integration with the 3G network.

In countries without 4G, Ooredoo’s companies have been enhancing networks. In Tunisia, Tunisiana plans to cover nearly the entire population with 3G by the end of 2013. Asiacell in Iraq and Nedjma in Algeria are preparing their 2G networks to be upgraded to 3G, pending government licenses.

Dr Nasser Marafih said, "We are making good progress on our strategy to upgrade more than 15,000 base stations over the next three-to-five years, in order to stay ahead of rising demand for mobile broadband services."

"We are moving into a leadership position and aim to build on that in the months and years ahead," he added.-TradeArabia News Service