Just 1,000 people will be able to use the Vodafone Qatar network when it is officially switched on in March, The Peninsula can reveal. Vodafone Qatar will not offer a full list of services when it “switches on” its network on March 1. Instead, it will conduct a limited two month long BETA trial involving 1,000 people, using volunteers to get “feedback”. “There will be 1000 people taking part in our BETA trial. We want a wide sample as possible reflective of the rich diverse society in Qatar, different ages, men and women,” a spokeswoman revealed last night. A BETA trial is a “soft launch” used by companies like Vodafone to work out any problems with the service and to get realistic feedback from users. It usually involves a limited range of services. Further, The Peninsula can reveal that products including sim cards, products and plans will not go on sale at Vodafone outlets until May. In a statement in response to The Peninsula’s questions, Vodafone Qatar revealed details of its trial and finally confirmed speculations it would not be offering a full service when its network goes “live” “We are committed to fulfilling our mobile licence requirement of switching on our network on March 1,” the statement said. “Starting from February 15, Vodafone will be asking people interested in taking part in a BETA trial to go to our website www.vodafone.com.qa and register their details. “The BETA trial will start on March 1 and last for approximately two months. “We want the BETA customers to play a part and give feedback via Online and Call Centre to help us prepare to bring on more customers and provide services.” Furthermore, the telecommunications company finally confirmed its retail outlets and products would not be ready until at least May. “Our retail stores will open and start selling in May,” the statement said. “Going forward, we will launch a number of exciting propositions and events that will make a difference for all people in Qatar- details will be revealed in due course, so stay tuned!” http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Local_News&subsection=Qatar+News&month=January2009&file=Local_News200901295269.xml

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