The Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology (ictQATAR) today announced that three companies will be awarded a license for the provision of Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) networks and services in the State of Qatar.
These companies are:
The companies were selected following competitive application phase that launched in January 2010. ictQATAR's decision comes after a comprehensive evaluation of applications received from four companies.
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Three Companies Approved to Offer VSAT Services in Qatar
The licenses authorize the operation of a VSAT network and the provision of VSAT services to Closed User Groups. The VSAT operators will not be able to provide public telecommunications services to businesses or consumers.
VSAT is a wireless, satellite-based system that can support organizations, with dispersed offices and remote sites, to have internal telecommunications (voice and data) links. It is commonly used by large organizations with multiple and remote locations, such as banks, retail stores and gas and oil companies. It is particularly useful in Qatar for off-shore gas and oil platforms to communicate with on-shore offices.
"The awarding of new licenses for VSAT services to these three companies will help address the high demand for VSAT services in Qatar and also increase competition in the market. We congratulate the successful applicants and thank all those who participated in the process", said Ahmad Sultan, Licensing Section Manager of the Regulatory Authority at ictQATAR.
The licenses will be issued when closing procedures are completed. The new licensees are expected to launch service later this year.
ce later this year.