Qatar National Day: Strong Infrastructure for Information Technology and Communications

Doha, December 14 (QNA) - Qatar s government leads efforts towards a solid infrastructure for information technology and communications, especially with State funding and development of infrastructure for the national fiber optic network which is to be offered to licensed service providers with the aim of advancing communications and locating an extensive wide-scale platform for wireless internet. Qatar National Broadband Network (QNBN) will provide the range required for the accommodation of the accelerated broadband speed and the great number of data exchanged between users. It will also boost advanced usage of technology which requires this bigger range. A number of important initiatives in this field have been implemented in 2011, playing an important role in bringing the State of Qatar closer to its goal; enabling a shift to high-speed broadband by 2015. The Supreme Council of Information and Communications Technology (ictQATAR) established Qatar Satellite Company (QSC) in 2011 to manage the State of Qatar s ambitious satellite program with the aim of bolstering communications capabilities and expanding the range of coverage in the State of Qatar, Middle East and North Africa. During 2011, the State of Qatar moved forward towards the launch of its first Qatari satellite with Es hail 1 which, with its high-capacity, boosts the State’s media and communications capabilities. The satellite s name is inspired by an infamous star which becomes visible in the Middle Eastern night sky during spring. ictQATAR represented the State signing a partnership agreement to build, launch and operate the Qatari satellite with French-based global provider Eutelsat. The satellite is currently being manufactured at US firm Space Systems/Loral. Es hail 1 is expected to launch 2013; which positively reflects on the improvement of services, developing broadband capabilities and increasing the capacity of multimedia communications required by firms and institutions (e.g. Aljazeera Network). The Qatari satellite s launch will also fulfill additional requirements for company networks, Global Positioning System (GPS) applications, maritime and aerial broadband navigation, among other benefits. QSC is currently working with concerned parties to determine future needs in this field, also planning to build a second Qatari satellite to boost the capabilities of high-definition television and three-dimensional equipment as well as all communication services. In accordance with this vision, ictQATAR has signed a memorandum with the Luxemburg government to look into the future provision of platforms, networks and integrated satellite services in the Middle East and abroad. In 2011, the number of free monthly wireless internet users in designated parks reached around 6,500; accessing the internet more than 300,000 times over the course of the year. The next step will include an extension to Dukhan and Semeisma Parks in 2012, while the Council aims to keep covering public parks at a rate of two new public spaces per year for the coming three years so there would be 14 areas boasting high-speed wireless internet by 2015. Notably, the State of Qatar was the first in the region to guarantee consumer rights with its Telecommunications Law concurrent with the Council announcing the establishment of a new Consumer Affairs Department, recently formed as part of the Council’s organizing committee. The Department s functions focus on ensuring the commitment of licensed service providers towards the protection of the rights of communication services consumers in the State of Qatar while interacting with them in a direct and timely manner to raise their awareness. The new department will pursue a number of initiatives; releasing reports on the quality of services presented by providers and evaluating network quality, signal strength, and prices as reflected in the first quality assessment reports released by the Council this year. Qatar s government was, and still is, an exemplary pioneer in leading the digital revolution in the State as well as encouraging the adoption of information and communications technology and building world-class information systems. Starting 2011, all of the State’s ministries, councils and institutions began using broadband internet and computers enabled for this service, in addition to acquiring their own websites with the aim of boosting the quality of governmental operations and services as well as facilitating data dissemination and exchange between government bodies and the public amid an increasing amount of innovative electronic services and promotions by the government. ictQATAR aims to use innovative applications in the communications and information technology field to develop and improve governmental production rates and transparency levels, while implementing the latest electronic means for conducting transactions, as well as exchanging and presenting information to the public. The Council also works towards increasing awareness of these services and their benefits to achieve the goal; increasing individual and institutional usage of such services. It has become possible for all citizens of the State of Qatar to finalize a number of vital government services through the Qatar Government Portal (e-Government/Hukoomi) including applications for visas, ID cards, exit permits and using the Customs Clearance Window, under the State’s diligent efforts to encourage international companies to do business in Qatar and attract more foreign investment. ictQATAR has launched the Customs Clearance Single Window, which is an easy-to-use window enabling shipping companies and customs clearance agencies to conduct all customs-related processes through the internet including tracking goods and paying fees. This Window, linked to Hukoomi, has been able to transform the State’s means of dealing with imports and exports and cut routine paperwork procedures significantly, increasing the quality of the operation while making it easier and less costly for all parties. (QNA)