The telecom service providers Ooredoo Qatar and Vodafone Qatar have co-operated with the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) to amend the registration process for getting a prepaid mobile SIM card to facilitate telecom services for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 fans while maintaining regulatory requirements.
The updated process enables fans to apply for a SIM card online through their respective digital channels and verify their identity digitally by using the ‘Hayya’ card as an identification document of the applicant.
This enables applicants, based on their preference, to instantly get an embedded SIM (e-SIM) card without the need to visit the retail outlets of the telecom service providers or get a physical SIM card from their retail outlets in the State of Qatar.
According to the process, each fan can obtain two cards. Also, minor fans under the age of 18 can obtain two cards with the consent of their parents. Fans can activate e-SIM and physical SIM cards when arriving in Qatar. Service providers will disconnect the cards automatically once the fans’ Hayya cards expire. Still, fans can request to terminate the service before that based on their desire.
“CRA is keen to effectively regulate the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector to contribute to its development and benefit all stakeholders, whether service providers or telecom consumers, especially concerning the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
“CRA has been keen to ensure that the telecom service providers provide high-quality services that effectively meet the needs of consumers,” said Amel Salem al-Hanawi, director of Consumer Affairs Department, CRA.
She added: “I want to thank the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy for their co-ordination efforts and to thank Ooredoo Qatar and Vodafone Qatar for their co-operation and keenness to provide innovative telecom services that contribute to the success of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, improving the experience of telecom consumers in the State of Qatar, and reducing carbon footprints.”
Qatar is expecting 1.2mn visitors for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. To meet expected needs, CRA has assigned around 3mn mobile numbers and about 40,000 fixed-line numbers to telecom service providers to be used by visitors and organisers of the tournament.