Qatar's New Numbering Plan!
Beginning July 28, 2010 all consumers and businesses will see their fixed and mobile line phone numbers expanded by one digit to eight digits in total.
The change-over will happen automatically and seamlessly on July 28 at 00:00:01 local Qatar time for all customers - whether Qtel or Vodafone - with no interruption of service or affect on the network. Best of all, individual and businesses will be able to access a broad range of current and future network services for years to come.
Here are a number of frequently asked questions that can inform you better of the numbering changes.
Tell us wat you think: are there questions you think are un-answered?
1.Why is there a change to the national numbering system? Why do we need another digit in the 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.
2. 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 7 will now be 77 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
e. 7251849 becomes 77251849
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.
3.When will the number change take place? Will there be any interruption of service?
On July 28, 2010 at 00:00:01 GMT +3. The transition will happen seamlessly and automatically. No interruption of service will take place.
4. 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.
5.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.
6.Who can I contact for more information?
Qtel customers can dial 111 and ask to speak to the Number Change special service line. Vodafone customers can dial 111 from their mobile phone and speak to a Customer Care Champion. If Vodafone customers are calling from another number and not their Vodafone mobile, they should dial 800 7111.
7.What should enterprise customers do and who can assist them?
Enterprise customers should contact their respective key account managers who will provide them with the necessary assistance.
8.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 will remain unchanged). However, government facilities and public services will change their main office lines with the exception of the Ministry of Interior.
9. 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 manual for further details.
10.Is the change going to affect short SMS numbers, toll free, paging services and short codes?
No, the change is only for standard fixed and mobile numbers.
I Like it bcz even my number will become 77863376.2times 7 2times 6 2times 3.
there is a free application launched by QU wireless innovations center that can update numbers on Iphones and some Nokia smart phones. you can download it from Itunes or www.quwic.com
search for "update your numbers" on Itunes
good luck
Free program available..
(I have only installed app for iPhone and it is working, and did'nt tried others) go to
http://www.qontactsapp.com
Thanks to Mr. AbdulRahman a qatari programmer for bringing this app free for every one.
HI all, there is already an application available to update numbers. it is developed by QU wireless innovations center and is free for all Iphone users and some Nokia smart phones. you can download it from Itunes. the application is called Qnumbers. Nokia users can download it from www.quwic.com
Hey guys,
I have just posted a new forum topic for a new mobile application that will automatically update your mobile address book in minutes. The idea is brilliant, go and see my post:
http://www.qatarliving.com/node/1189980
Salam
MY MOBILE NUMBER IS 7219188 BUT THEN 77219188.;-)
with the new numbering system as it says in this thread, the number will be: +974 444442x2
it started with three fours and then it became four fours and now it will become five fours plus the last four from the international number.
+9 7 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 x 2
As you see, it suits any kind of big organization, restaurant, university...etc.
I will start from 60 000 QR. Yalla what's you offer?:)
- 7 digits gives you up to say 9,999,999 variables. give or take a few?
- qatars current population, 1,677,045, say 2mil
- if it were to double by 2015
4,000,000 "wishful thinking"
- each and every "individual" were to have a landline AND a personal line (regardless of households n such)
8,000,000
Q: why do we need to add another digit?
Aim for the stars..
Reach the roof
If i repeat the first digit of my mobile number it will become very special, so how will compensate me for this :)
Beta testers are needed, here is a utility I put together to update your outlook address book by exporting importing MS Access files.
Please PM me if you have any feedback. Also, as I am hosting on my laptop, it might not be up all the time.
http://ahmadalani.selfip.com/e/
This will work as smoothly as everything else here--plumbing, sewage, traffic control, etc., etc. At least from July 28 until they finally fix it there will be far fewer Land Cruisers with drivers talking on their mobile phones!
"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see."
rMs_000: For the "Royal or star numbers", see our response on Easy-to-Remember numbers:
Numbers used for fixed and mobile services including ETR numbers will have a new digit, ETR are not part of the national numbering plan. Customers purchased ETRs should contact their service providers, call the Helpline of Qtel and Vodafone for further information related to ETRs. Qtel customer service line can be reached by dialing 111 whilst Vodafone customers can dial 111 from their mobile phone and speak to a Customer Care Champion. If Vodafone customers are calling from another number and not their Vodafone mobile, they should dial 800 7111.
Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology (ictQATAR)
Website: http://www.ictqatar.qa
Blog: http://www.digitalqatar.qa
You forgot to explain about the situation of 'Star number' or 'Royal number' holders which i mentioned on the previous post?
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tEaCh Me RulEs I'lL tEaCh YoU hOw To BrEaK iT -rMs!
Umair9001,
Consumers should explore tools available by their handset manufacturers and contact service providers – both Qtel and Vodafone- they should be able to provide solutions for an easier transition.
Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology (ictQATAR)
Website: http://www.ictqatar.qa
Blog: http://www.digitalqatar.qa
rMs_000
For your point on adding a zero to the end of each number:
Adding a “0” wouldn’t allow meeting the demand for the numbers needed; 36 million mobile and nine million fixed telephone numbers are being created by doubling the first digit. ETR numbers are an operator specific issue.
Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology (ictQATAR)
Website: http://www.ictqatar.qa
Blog: http://www.digitalqatar.qa
DaRuDe,
ETR numbers will have a new digit as well and as this is the service provided by the operators, and not supported or endorsed by ictQATAR. Customers should contact the Helpline of Qtel and Vodafone for further information related to ETRs. Qtel customer service line can be reached by dialing 111 whilst Vodafone customers can dial 111 from their mobile phone and speak to a Customer Care Champion. If Vodafone customers are calling from another number and not their Vodafone mobile, they should dial 800 7111.
Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology (ictQATAR)
Website: http://www.ictqatar.qa
Blog: http://www.digitalqatar.qa
Dear All,
Please check out our responses to the comments that you & the others have given in the other thread: http://www.qatarliving.com/node/973124#comment-1376596
Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology (ictQATAR)
Website: http://www.ictqatar.qa
Blog: http://www.digitalqatar.qa
For all thsoe who have inquiries about easy-to-remember numbers:
Numbers used for fixed and mobile services including ETR numbers will have a new digit, ETR are not part of the national numbering plan. Customers purchased ETRs should contact their service providers, call the Helpline of Qtel and Vodafone for further information related to ETRs. Qtel customer service line can be reached by dialing 111 whilst Vodafone customers can dial 111 from their mobile phone and speak to a Customer Care Champion. If Vodafone customers are calling from another number and not their Vodafone mobile, they should dial 800 7111.
Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology (ictQATAR)
Website: http://www.ictqatar.qa
Blog: http://www.digitalqatar.qa
@Smoke & all others!
The decision to change the numbering plan has been made by ictQatar who basically own the numbering scheme of the State of Qatar. Any change in the numbering plan must be adopted by all operators in the market (in this case Qtel and Vodafone).
In the long run this change will benefit all residents of Qatar and reflects the growth over the last couple of years.
I think the decision to duplicate the first digit is pretty wise. This should make the change seamless and easy to understand. Even for ETRs and Star Numbers this will be good as most numbers will increase in value or at least maintain the reservation price.
Just remember that all of the short codes like '111' and others like police hotline are not affected and still remain the same!
Cheers,
Markus
Hi Smoke,
This is a goverment decision and Vodafone or Qtel have no choice in the matter.
Andy
it is confusing
their forecast should be fitted in the future thats why they correcting their mistake...
Dear Readers,
For couple of months Vodafone sells numbers for QR 1000's
Q-tel sells numbers of double digits for good money.
Who is benefited?
Customers or telecom companies?
Imagine if this numbering plan launched before Vodafone Qatar launch.
NO COMMENTS ON IMPROVEMENT TO SOCIETY!
its must be a standardized rule set by ICT as it is the governing body..
doesn't really make much difference adding a single digit..hassles in the beginning then we will get used to it.. :)
I can understand Q-tel increasing its numbering system by 1 digit as they have more customers compared to Vodafone...but why is Vodafone jumping on the same band wagon? Two very different network providers, Vodafone should use this opportunity to round up more customers that prefer 7 digit numbers :)
Good Fortune always comes knocking at your door...when you are sh*tting in the toilet!! :)
_[]~«ŠѪΘҜΞ»~[]_
I am not. At least not so much. It is just that the new scheme will be such one number short of the 9 digit scheme of Australia. Either there is a lot of waste in Qatars numbering scheme or its just the expat population. Qatar needs to realize that with expats. Here today and gone tommorrow. The amount of finance going overseas from workers here is a big leak for Qatars economy.
Qatar is changing :)
Before any thing to be done please make the 111 answer the customers.
after that any thing can be done
@ xyned
Aren't you overreacting a little bit? It's just the addition of a single digit. No big deal. A country's population increases over time. Thats normal. No reason to start pointing fingers.
isn't that for QTEL's new policy by July 2010?
so my special number wil be usesless then...
I dont know what happen with peoples that bought start number with vodafone, last I remember they sold number with price upto QR 10,000,000.
*---Make Qataliving.com Equal for All...
OH crap. Its just yesterday they added a prefix. Now another one!
Its all that uncontrolled expat population which is to blame. The middle-east disrespecting crowd of the yesteryear have bowed to the recession and have come here to dig gold.
for both qtel and vodafone
For the new numbering Qtel only or both Qtel and Vodafone?????
news! oh wait.
that means I better wait for the new numbering to begin before I take a new number from Vodafone.
Let me just go and cancel the number that I have now.
People be ready to be spending some time with your contact list updating.. :P
Easy for me to sync it through google..hehehehe..
I reminisce seeing in vodafone site that they sold this particular number (7654321) for 10 Mn or 1 Mn QAR.
Don't you think adding a 7 again in that number looks wiered and NOT worth the money they bought for??
The same thing will happen for me too. My number is also a series which will get broken cos of this new numbering system.
How about adding a ZERO at the end of each number???
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tEaCh Me RulEs I'lL tEaCh YoU hOw To BrEaK iT -rMs!
well my feedback
all i can say is my ETR # is going to get screwed with this new addition of 5. so will it be possible if you replace 0 with 1.
Hi DaRuDe,
These are some FAQs that may help users understand more about the numbering changes and answer their inquiries. Give us your feedback on the topic and tell us if you think there are questions that still need to be tackled.
Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology (ictQATAR)
Website: http://www.ictqatar.qa
Blog: http://www.digitalqatar.qa
now you are repeating your own topic.
why.