‘Renumbering’ offer to mobile customers

Qtel is providing all customers a renumbering application for mobile phones free, in support of the “national renumbering plan”.
On July 28, numbers in Qatar will have an additional digit added, in line with ictQATAR’s plan to ensure there is enough capacity to support the ongoing growth and development of the nation.
Under this, numbers beginning with 3 will start with 33, numbers beginning with 4 will start with 44, numbers beginning with 5 will start with 55 and numbers beginning with 6 will start with 66.
The application will automatically analyse and update all numbers stored in a mobile phone handset. Local numbers will have an extra digit automatically added, while international numbers will remain unchanged. It will support the majority of popular handsets in Qatar, including Nokia, BlackBerry, iPhones, Android and Windows Mobile based devices as well as common devices from major mobile phone producers (Sony Ericsson, Samsung, LG and others).
Qtel says it is executing a “detailed plan” to support customers during the changeover process, “building on its experience and understanding of the needs of customers in Qatar”.
The launch of the free application should ensure an easy and trouble-free switchover, says Qtel.
The application will be available from July 25 to enable people to upgrade their numbers alongside the national number change. It is the only official application approved by Qtel, and customers are advised to use it rather than any of the unofficial number change programmes.
Qtel is also advising customers that the number change is applicable only from July 28. Customers who change their contacts before this date will not be able to call the changed numbers.
To support the launch of the application, customers will receive a link in a direct SMS for the download and installation of the application. Clicking on the link will analyse each customer’s phone and suggest the appropriate version of application to install.
When running the application, customers will have the option to change numbers or undo changes, to ensure that their upgraded address books retain all essential information. Customers will be able to either change all contacts, or make changes selectively.
The automatic number change application is part of Qtel’s ongoing support for all customers in the run-up to the national renumbering plan.
Qtel says it has dedicated customer support staff capable of answering any customer questions around the change process, who can be reached on 111 or 800 8000 for business customers.
All emergency telephone numbers within Qatar, including 999 and 112, will not be affected by the change, and the country code will remain +974. Also, numbers beginning with 1, 2, 8 and 9 will not be changed.

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