Qatar

Discontinuation of 3G mobile telecommunications services (IMT-2000)

The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) in the State of Qatar has announced that third-generation mobile telecommunications services (IMT-2000) will be discontinued by December 31, 2025. This decision was made after consultations with stakeholders and it aligns with CRA’s strategic plans to enhance the quality and efficiency of telecommunications services.

Both Ooredoo Qatar Q.P.S.C. and Vodafone Qatar P.Q.S.C. are required to cease third-generation services by the specified deadline. The objective is to optimize radio spectrum resources for Fourth Generation (4G/LTE4) and Fifth Generation (5G) networks, thereby promoting technological advancement in Qatar’s telecommunications sector.

Furthermore, CRA Qatar has prohibited the import of phones that exclusively support second and third-generation technologies. However, they do approve devices compatible with 4G/Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology, provided they meet the necessary standards and have obtained type approval certificates from CRA.