Qtel has developed a detailed plan to give support to customers during the changeover process, building on its experience and understanding of the needs of customers in Qatar. The company is upgrading networks and is instituting a number of automated services to minimize inconvenience to Qtel customers, and to people calling Qtel customers from within and outside of Qatar.

In the run-up to the announcement, Qtel’s dedicated Business Solutions team has been working with corporate customers, to provide Qatar’s companies with ample time to make the shift to their new numbers. Specialists have tested communications infrastructure and telecom equipment to ensure its ability to be re-programmed with an additional digit. In addition, Qtel has worked with PBX and Key System vendors to identify the necessary update procedures.

For more information about the number change program, please see Frequently Asked Questions below:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is there a change to the national numbering system? Why do we need a digit added to our phone numbers?
   With the population estimated to double by 2015 and businesses expanding, the existing numbering system won’t meet the future demand. In addition, competition has driven growth in the demand for telephone numbers with many customers having more than one mobile handset. By expanding all existing and new telephone numbers to eight digits, Qatar will be able to meet the growing demand for more network services for years to come. Changing the numbering system for mobile and fixed line services will increase capacity for available telephone numbers tenfold. This, in turn, will create sufficient capacity for the next 10 to 15 years.
   
   
2. When will the number change take place? Will there be any interruption of service?
   The transition will happen seamlessly and automatically. on July 28, 2010 at 00: 00: 01 (GMT +3). There will be no interruption of service.
   
   
3. What is changing about phone numbers in Qatar?
   For both fixed and mobile users, the first digit of the number will be repeated, so that numbers that currently begin with 3 will now start with 33, those starting with 5 will now be 55 and so on. The only affected numbers will be those starting with 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. These changes will be in effect for both Vodafone and Qtel customers.
   
   Examples:
   
   a. 3152145 becomes 33152145
   b. 4856986 becomes 44856986
   c. 5319734 becomes 55319734
   d. 6226881 becomes 66226881
   
   
   
4. What about the emergency telephone numbers and the numbers used for SMS services?
   All emergency telephone numbers within Qatar, including 999 and 112, will not be affected by the change. Numbers used for SMS, toll free and paging services, short codes, and the numbers owned by the Ministry of Interior will also remain the same. These are numbers beginning with 1, 2, 8 and 9.
   
   
5. How will this affect public services, such as hospitals? Will there be an automated message or will the call be automatically redirected?
   Emergency numbers will not be affected by this process (112 and 999) will remain unchanged). However, government facilities and public services will change their main office lines with the exception of the Ministry of Interior.
   
   
6. What happens if I dial a number incorrectly?
   Customers will receive an automated message asking them to dial the correct number. This message will remain in place for three months, after which customers will be informed that they are dialing an unknown number. Customers calling from outside Qatar will also hear an automated message.
   
   
7. I will be out of the country when the numbers change. Is there anything I need to do? What will happen if I call someone in Qatar?
   People dialing from outside Qatar will receive an automated message asking them to redial with an added digit. The international code for Qatar (+ 974) will not be affected. You will simply need to add the additional digit to the original number.
   
   
8. Who can I contact for more information?
   Qtel has dedicated customer support staff capable of answering any questions around the change process. They can be reached on 111 or 800 8000 for business customers.
   
   
9. What should business customers do and who can assist them?
   Business customers should contact their respective key account managers at Qtel Business Solutions. They can also call 8008000.
   
   
10. Is there any quick way I can update phone numbers stored in my phone?
    Different models of phone will have different facilities for updating your phone directory. Consult your device manual for further details.
    
    
11. What can companies do now?
    Qtel advises individuals and companies to put together a carefully studied time plan to change numbers on stationery, websites and marketing material to be ready by July 28, when the new numbering system goes into operation.
    
    

Questions Specific to Business Customers

1. What have I got to do to conform to the new plan?
   
   There are some key things you should do to ensure the number change does not disrupt your day-to-day business. Remember to update:
   
   
   • Telecom equipment
   • Corporate stationery
   • Advertising of any business numbers
   • Your customers, suppliers, etc.
   
   QBS can provide you with assistance in this matter. Please speak with your key account manager to ensure that you have undertaken all the necessary changes to your business.
   
   
2. What about updating my technical equipment, my stationery, and my advertising?
   
   In most cases, technical equipment can be easily updated and will accommodate the additional number. In some limited circumstances, you may be unable to update your equipment, but you should contact 800 8000 for further information on this. We recommend that you test all equipment prior to the introduction of the additional number (28 July) so that you do not experience any disruptions on this day.
   
   We also recommend that you contact vendors and suppliers who feature or use your phone number(s) to make sure that they are aware of this change coming into effect on 28 July 2010.
   
   For customers who have maintenance contracts with Qtel for their telephone distribution equipment (PABX, IP Systems and Key Systems), the Qtel technical team will take care of any required changes or reprogramming.
   
   Customers who do not have maintenance contracts with Qtel for their telephone distribution equipment (PABX, IP Systems and Key Systems) will have to approach their vendors/installers to take care of their working systems.
   
   
3. Will I have to change any technical equipment to conform to the new plan?
   
   We do not envisage any major problems in updating your equipment to accommodate an additional number. However, there may be some very limited instances where equipment is unable to accept this change. We recommend that you seek further advice from QBS, who will be able to assist you in this matter.
   
   
4. Will I be refunded for my spending?
   
   The new national number plan is necessary for every business and individual throughout Qatar as a result of the unprecedented growth that the country has experienced in recent years. It therefore falls to each company and individual to undertake these changes at their own expense, enabling Qatar to continue to grow.
   
   
5. What will happen if my customer dials the old number?
   
   Customers will hear an automated message advising them of the addition of one digit and requesting that they re-dial with the new number. We would also encourage you to advise your customers as frequently as possible of this number change coming into effect on 28 July.
   
   Once the changeover takes place on 28 July, callers within Qatar and overseas will hear an automated message providing them with the correct number and asking them to redial it. This message will remain in place for at least three months. The country code for Qatar will remain +974.
   
   
6. Do I have to change my internal numbering plan?
   
   No, if you have an internal numbering plan it should not be affected.
   
   
7. How will the business directories and Yellow Pages be updated?
   
   These are printed annually and cannot be updated until their next print production in January 2011. However, the Qtel Directory Service facility will be able to provide updated numbers and this service is free of charge to Qtel customers.
   
   
8. Will the POS (Point Of Sale) device be impacted by the New Numbering Plan?
   
   All POS terminals require a simple re-configuration in order to continue working after July 28th. Business clients are advised to get in touch with their respective POS supplying bank to arrange for the necessary changes.
   
   
9. Will ATMs be impacted by the New Numbering Plan?
   
   Certain ATMs which use dialing may be affected. Customers need to ensure the numbers dialed by these ATMs are updated as per the New Numbering Plan.
   
   
10. Do I need to make any changes for my modem to work after the New Numbering Plan is in place?
    
    To ensure your modem continues to work as it should, the number dialed by your modem needs to be updated as per the New Numbering Plan . This change needs to be done by you (the customer). Please refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to make the necessary changes.
    
    
11. How do I ensure that the equipment/device in my premises, which is managed by Qtel, works after the New Numbering Plan is in place?
    
    Qtel Technical Teams will carry out all the required changes to the services and equipment managed by Qtel, which is kept at customers’ premises.
    
    
12. How do I ensure that the equipment/device in my premises, which is not managed Qtel, works after the New Numbering Plan is in place?
    
    Customers who have equipment which is not managed by Qtel should approach their vendors to request the necessary changes, if required.
    
    
13. For my Easy-to-Reach (ETR) can I select the new number I want?
    
    ETR numbers will also have a new digit added in the same way.
    
    For example:
    5556666 becomes 55556666.