Contracts, Telephony, Mobile, Qatar, MENA: Siemens Networks has been commissioned by the Arabian mobile operator Qatar Telecom (Qtel) to operate its UMTS mobile network in the State of Qatar.

As well as monitoring and running the network, Siemens is charged with finding ways of bettering the services offered.

Mobile telephony is on the increase in Qatar. Indeed, the market for running and maintaining services in set contracts is growing by at least 10% per annum. Siemens' successes are estimated to be running at well above this rate, with more than 100 contracts having been won.

The latest contract with Qtel extends and expands the service partnership that has already been running since June 2006. Siemens claims that it guarantees smooth network operation monitored by sophisticated performance indicators such as defined periods for fault clearance.

The Qtel network will be monitored via a network operation centre, from where Siemens employees will eliminate software disruptions. If this fails, the employees will alert maintenance teams who will then carry out the necessary repairs, if the problem is mechanical.

Mobile telephony's increase in Qatar is due to several factors such as the recently held 15th Asian Games in December 2006, where Qtel had the opportunity to see observe the  professional network management provided by Siemens.

• more info: www.siemens.com/networks