Following last month’s launch of the world’s first commercial 5G network, Ooredoo has introduced a new home broadband device.
Based in Qatar, Ooredoo says the device can deliver speeds up to 2 Gbps — more than 20 times faster than the company’s existing fibre broadband service.
Waleed Al Sayed, Chief Executive Officer of Ooredoo Qatar, commented:
“Ooredoo is thrilled to announce that last night we became the first in the world to have a live commercial 5G home broadband device.
This marks another remarkable world-first milestone for Ooredoo and for Qatar, and shows we are on course to bringing 5G mega speeds to everyone very soon.
I look forward to seeing how this technology will benefit all sectors in Qatar — from businesses to education and beyond.”
With the claimed performance, customers should be able to download full-length movies in seconds and enjoy high-bandwidth experiences such as cloud or VR gaming. The device also supports the operator’s 4G network for areas where 5G coverage is not yet available.
Although Ooredoo launched commercial 5G in selected areas last month, compatible devices had not previously been offered for sale. The company plans to upgrade 100 base stations across Qatar to 5G within the next three months to expand coverage.
“We are the first company in the world to offer access to 5G technology and services,” Al Sayed said. “The people of Qatar are among the first to access the significant benefits this technological upgrade will bring.”
Ooredoo reports that current live 5G sites, including West Bay and Katara, have demonstrated peak speeds around 2.51 Gbps, delivering very high throughput and low latency.
The operator is now preparing to trial Internet of Things applications over its 5G network, targeting use cases such as connected vehicles, virtual and augmented reality, and drones.
“The 5G Supernet will act as Qatar’s infrastructural backbone as the nation advances to deploy the latest smart applications in line with Qatar National Vision 2030,” Al Sayed added.
“This network will provide the foundation needed to introduce a new wave of innovations across industries.”
What do you think about Ooredoo’s 5G rollout and the new home broadband device? Share your thoughts in the comments.