Official Middle East & Africa Telecommunications Operator of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 — has confirmed its full readiness to host millions of football fans and visitors at next month’s mega-event.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Thani, CEO at Ooredoo, outlined preparations for the world’s biggest sporting event during an interview aired on Qatar TV’s ‘Pulse of The Economy’ show on Tuesday. Sheikh Mohammed reviewed the company’s plans to meet the huge demand for telecommunications services, both before and during the tournament, and the steps it has taken to ensure a distinctive, enhanced experience for all attending the event.
During the interview, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that Qatar 2022 will be the first tournament that will see all stadiums equipped with 5G technology, ensuring a unique, completely new experience for fans that will enable them to seamlessly share the atmosphere with friends, loved ones and followers around the world. He stressed that all eight World Cup stadiums will be equipped with a mobile network service featuring the latest communications technologies, in addition to TETRA wireless services and Wi-Fi.
Sheikh Mohammed also noted that prior to the World Cup, Ooredoo modernised its external radio network locations with the latest 5G technology aimed at maximising nationwide coverage, including stadiums, airports, the metro, fan zones and other FIFA-related facilities. A full 4G and 5G mobile network upgrade was competed, utilising the latest and most advanced equipment in preparation for the event.
The entire core network was also upgraded with the addition of the latest, most advanced core cloud network in state-of-the-art data centres. Data network node upgrades will ensure a secure margin is available in accordance with FIFA’s official data traffic requirements.
Speaking of the cooperation with FIFA, Sheikh Mohammed emphasised the longstanding relationship between the two entities, with Ooredoo acting as National Supporter of FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019 and 2020. The telco leader was also chosen to be Official Global Provider of International
Connectivity Services and Official Middle East & Africa Telecommunications Operator for Qatar 2022, and selected by FIFA Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) to provide a global network link between Doha and different points of presence in Europe – London and Frankfurt – as well as Singapore in Asia.
Also discussed during the interview was the telco leader’s offering to visitors and fans during the event; the single biggest offer ever made by any telecommunications operator during a major event, with the promise of an unprecedented fan experience.
From November 1, Ooredoo’s Hayya SIM will be available to visitors, pre-loaded with 2022MB data, 2022 local minutes and 2022 SMS. Existing customers will enjoy the same offer so they can also stay connected and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Connectivity while on the go – a key requirement for players, FIFA officials and media representatives – has not been overlooked, Sheikh Mohammed noted.