The world's first 5G network launched in Qatar

If the '5G race' awards a medal to the carrier of the first 5G mobile network service, Qatar's Ooredoo will be the recipient of this honor.

Ooredoo has launched the world's first 5G Supernet '5G commercial network' and promises to be the 5G NR service that meets Qatar's Doha capital standard.

Ooredoo has moved to deploy 5G since 2016, before they successfully tested the 5G network, built a 5G broadcast station and launched 5G network service for businesses in conjunction with Qatar Airways.

This is not the first time this network has announced the first deployment of 5G in the world. They have previously brought standard 5G 'experience' to many VIP customers, then partnered with ZTE to commercialize the 5G compatible hardware in March.

Today's announcement includes: launching the 'first phase' of 5G Supernet on the 3.5GHz band in Doha, covering a large area from Pearl Qatar island area to Hamad Internaional Airport.

This service covers many popular locations in Doha such as Lagoona, Katara Cultural Village, West Bay, Corniche and Souq Waqif. With 164 million customers from 10 countries, Ooredoo promises to expand coverage in the next few months.

Ooredoo's ambition is now somewhat limited due to the lack of 5G devices. 'Ooredoo's 5G Supernet access requires 5G compatible devices,' the carrier said. However, their website did not list a list of supported devices.

The world's first 5G network launched in Qatar Picture 1 The world's first 5G network launched in Qatar Picture 1
The first is one thing, how the actual operation works is another

Speed problems are also left open. In the previous 5G experience, Ooredoo promised a maximum speed of 1Gbps and said that the number in the lab was higher but there was no actual figure to prove it.

Ooredoo was not the first Middle East operator to attempt to become the "first in the world" in the 5G race. Etisalat also said that it has launched the first 5G network, promising a 1Gbps speed in some regions in the most Arab countries. However, they aim to launch services with compatible devices in September, then expand across the UAE 'depending on user needs'.

US network operators like Verizon or AT&T also promise to release 5G later this year.

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