Eight telecom firms bid to enter Qatari market

Doha: ictQatar on Tuesday announced that eight telecom companies were interested in entering Qatar's fixed-line telecom market.

The operators have officially registered interest in applying for Qatar's second fixed telecom licence.

The international companies are applying on their own or as parts of consortia.

It is expected that the winning operator will be announced in May.

The companies expressing interest include AT&T and Verizon (United States), Batelco (Bahrain), British Telecom and Vodafone (UK), Eutelia (Italy), Jordan Telecom and PCCW (Hong Kong).

Because of the level of global interest, ictQATAR has extended the closing date for applications from March 6 to April 3.

The process will involve a comparative evaluation (known in the industry as a 'beauty contest') designed to select the provider best suited for the Qatari market.

ictQATAR will evaluate such criteria as quality of the network, range of proposed services, and level of commitment to the public.

ictQATAR secretary general Dr Hessa Al Jaber said: "We are delighted that so many renowned international operators are interested in competing here for fixed line home and business customers.

"Just like in the mobile market, choice in fixed line service providers will bring consumers excellent service and value."