Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad bin Nasser Al Thani (right), Chief Commercial Officer at Ooredoo with Colin Smith, FIFA Chief Operating Officer World Cup, during the press conference, yesterday.
Ooredoo has announced it will equip over 350 buses with WiFi for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Officials from the network service provider, the Official Middle East & Africa Telecommunications Operator for Qatar 2022, said the connectivity would provide internet access for players, FIFA officials and media to stay connected while travelling to and from tournament venues.
The latest development was announced during a press conference yesterday by Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad bin Nasser Al Thani, Chief Commercial Officer at Ooredoo, and Colin Smith, FIFA Chief Operating Officer World Cup and FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Managing Director.
Ooredoo will use technology such as Quick Response codes to ensure fast, easy and efficient access to WiFi on boarding each bus. According to Ooredoo, 300 buses will also offer transportation-grade managed WiFi services. The WiFi services will be monitored and managed in real-time utilising systems hosted in the Ooredoo Qatar Data Centre.
Speaking to the media after the event, Sheikh Nasser said Ooredoo is proud to present the first-of-its-kind initiative for an event of such magnitude as the World Cup.
“We are providing high-speed WiFi in the buses — 350 buses where they can enjoy and experience the full speed of our services. They can watch video streams, see matches, and goals, be connected to the news, etc. I believe it’s the first ever in the World Cup. We’re very proud to provide this kind of service and to enhance the experience of the organisers and players,” Sheikh Nasser said.
He added that Ooredoo works alongside the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to ensure fans and visitors enjoy maximum internet connectivity. He teased that Ooredoo customers will enjoy more promotions and offers before and during the World Cup.
On the other hand, FIFA COO Colin Smith said this is a new collaboration for FIFA in terms of installing WiFi across so many different services.
“It provides this connectivity for our key stakeholders throughout their journey and experience here in Qatar. Media, member associations, the teams, referees, media, and our guests will enjoy this end-to-end service from when they arrive in the country until they leave again. So for everyone here, their experience will be richer for having this partnership and collaboration,” Smith said.
This new initiative follows the announcement of the Hayya SIM card for visiting World Cup fans. The physical and e-SIM formats will be available from November 1.
