(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Competition in domestic telecom market has brought international calling rates significantly down in Qatar. International calling rates have fallen by up to 92 percent, when compared to same rates before Vodafone Qatar's entry to the market, Kyle Whitehill, CEO, Vodafone Qatar said here yesterday.
Local calling rates have dropped by almost 82 percent since Vodafone Qatar started its operations. Data rates have tremendously declined by around 99 percent in the same period of time, Whitehill said attending the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar's (AmCham Qatar) latest Distinguished Speaker Series yesterday.
Vodafone Qatar's top executive detailed how the telecommunications sector yielded tremendous benefits to consumers and businesses in Qatar in a relatively short period of time. In addition to offering choice, prices for mobile services dropped sharply upon Vodafone's arrival in the marketplace.
Whitehill said: "Qatar has taken serious steps to ensure a liberalised market in general, and a liberalised telecommunications industry in particular. The Ministry of Information and Communications Technology strategy is designed to constantly review and simplify procedures, protect consumers, and encourage a world-class digital atmosphere. Our aim is to support all aspects of national economic, human and social development, in alignment with the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology regulatory strategy, and Qatar's National Development Strategy."
"As part of its long term strategy, Vodafone Qatar is committed to supporting the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology in delivering the National Broadband Plan and bringing the benefits of choice to the fixed market in Qatar," added Whitehill.
Over 100 business executives attended the discussion that initially tackled the dynamics of telecommunications market, and shed the light on the advantages of a liberalized market.
AmCham Qatar Chairman, Robert A Hager said: "The American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar continues to be a powerful platform for business leaders to discuss the latest industry trends and news, as Qatar looks to realize its economic vision for the future. We are pleased to have Whitehill join us and have learned a great deal from Vodafone Qatar's story and his deep insights into a growing and strategically critical sector."
AmCham Qatar also announced that USA Week will take place in February, during which American business partners will present to their Qatari counterparts on the best ways of doing business in the US.
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