Alcatel and Qatar Telecom (Qtel), the incumbent operator and the exclusive telecommunications provider in Qatar, announced today the official launch of the first service to be provided over Qtel's new third generation mobile network. Qtel's 3G Video Calling service is the first in a range of services that will be rolled out offering customers innovative and multimedia high speed 3G/UMTS services, including video conferencing, high speed data or video streaming.

To ensure the expansion of the latest telecom services to end-users, Qtel is offering the Video Calling service for postpaid and prepaid customers with no connection or monthly fees.

"Alcatel interactive mobile 3G solutions brings a vast range of new capabilities to mobile phones, including Video Calling," said Dr. Nasser Marafih, CEO of Qtel. "We are confident that both Alcatel 3G network infrastructure and mobile services solutions will enable us, in the long run, to provide users with personalized and interactive content, such as video MMS service, video streaming or live broadcast TV. This "made for mobile" TV channels solutions will boost the broadcasting of the 15th Asian Games, the second largest sporting event after the Olympics Games, taking place in Doha this December."

"The successful delivery & commissioning of the 3G network in a relatively short time frame, providing high quality 3G services reflects the close and long-standing partnership between our two companies," said Pierre-Alain Cadillon, Alcatel Country Senior Officer of Qatar. "In the very near future, a software upgrade is foreseen for the HSDPA technology. It will allow Qtel to bring significant added value over 3G/UMTS, and to stay ahead of customer demand and satisfaction."

With this UMTS contract along with all related video communication services, Alcatel, a long-term GSM/GPRS infrastructure solutions supplier, further cements its role in the development of Qtel networks in Qatar and reinforces its leadership in the region as a 3G provider.