Synopsis
This snapshot report highlights potential development opportunities in Qatar’s emerging Internet society. One of the last markets in the region to undergo market liberalisation, fixed-line penetration is relatively high, second only to the UAE in the region. Broadband penetration is among the highest in the region despite the lack of strong competition. Understanding the catalyst to economic growth that broadband speeds can provide, Qatar’s government has committed to deploying a national broadband network offering speeds of up to 100Mb/s to 95% of households. This will allow development of new online services as well as improving existing ones that encompass the commerce, public administration, health and education sectors.
Paul Budde visited the country in June 2011 and met with industry and government official. His analyses and comments are included in this report.