marcus varney,
Thanks for the input. Only the numbers owned by the Ministry of Interior will remain the same and have 7 digits (besides short codes like 999 etc.) for both fixed and mobile users, the first digit of every number will be repeated and contain 8 digits. This is a fairly transparent process and all consumers will be affected. In addition, overseas callers will hear a recorded message that will ask them to dial an extra digit in case there is any confusion.

Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology (ictQATAR)
Website: http://www.ictqatar.qa
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