Qatar’s sector-wide IoT networks demonstrate commitment to sustainability

Qatar has effectively deployed IoT networks in various sectors, including education, retail and transport, demonstrating the country’s positive impact on sustainability initiatives, a Vodafone Qatar official said.

According to Simon O’Rourke, Head of Consumer Business Unit, Vodafone Qatar is working to support sustainable digital growth in line with Qatar’s environmental goals.

“The development and use of digital technologies in an environmentally and socially responsible way is of vital importance to us,” O’Rourke told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.

He said: “As a leading telecommunications provider, we are taking a digital approach to sustainability, recognizing that improved technology and greater access to data, combined with increased collaboration, can help turn the dial.”

O’Rourke explained that the new look of the Vodafone app and the company’s first Instant SIM have improved the digital lives of consumers in Qatar.

“Instant SIM allows users to connect without the need for internet and without having to visit a physical location, it’s a great example of how Vodafone Qatar is encouraging people to think about their impact on the environment, how they can minimize the resources they use and also how they can make the best use of their time,” he added.

O’Rourke said Vodafone Qatar is also pioneering other innovations, including the Internet of Things (IoT), which he described as “a game changer in energy management” and can help reduce the environmental footprint of homes , cities and businesses. over Qatar.

IoT refers to a network of connected machines, such as vehicles, thermostats, lighting, electricity and water supplies, that can collect and exchange data through sensors to help monitor and optimize consumption, O’Rourke said, adding that smart energy monitoring is one. of the most effective ways IoT can positively impact a city.

He noted that Vodafone Qatar has launched “some of the fastest and most efficient internet services ever seen in the Middle East, so fast that they require less electricity and can therefore play a crucial role in the shift to more efficient operations sustainable for businesses”.

“Last year, we created the Middle East’s first smart ‘Gigacity’ in Msheireb, Doha, in collaboration with Nokia by providing its super-fast 25 Gbps fiber network.

“This was followed by the launch of Vodafone Qatar’s innovative Giga Home offering, which uses ‘Gigabit only’ speeds that are almost ten times faster than the average,” O’Rourke further explained.

He also pointed out that Vodafone Qatar is addressing data privacy and security concerns in the context of increasing connectivity and data usage.

According to O’Rourke, the digital landscape is evolving rapidly and as such privacy and security have been at the top of Vodafone Qatar’s agenda for several years.

“We were proud to be the first telecommunications operator in Qatar and the region to receive the prestigious ISO 27001:2013 certification from the British Standards Institution back in 2017, demonstrating the strength of our information security management systems and operations. This accreditation has been renewed several times over the last eight years.

“Furthermore, we know our customers want absolute control over their security, as well as control over who can contact them, and for this reason we were delighted to launch the new International Call Block (ICB) service, which means that through the app With the new-look My Vodafone, customers can block unwanted international calls at the touch of a button,” he said.

O’Rourke pointed out that Vodafone does not only address consumers when it comes to security, but also provides businesses in Qatar with reliable and secure features that protect data on mobile devices, laptops and networks. This ensures business continuity and reduces the risk of breaches, ultimately helping to minimize potential business losses and protect the integrity of the business in the marketplace, he said.

Only recently, Vodafone Qatar announced new plans that cater to the specific needs of its customers, including the country’s booming population.

“When you consider that approximately 80% of Qatar’s population is made up of expatriate workers, who come from all over the world, including much of Southeast Asia, it is clear that our products and solutions must be designed with their needs in mind. .

“With the launch of these new plans, we have listened carefully to what they have to say to bring the best of what is available in the region, and indeed the rest of the world, together in a new suite of products,” he said. said.

O’Rourke said: “When living away from loved ones, it’s important that our customers have control over how they use their data; offering dedicated social media data on our postpaid plans means people can use platforms such as Instagram and Facebook to update family at home without affecting the cost of international calls back home to family and friends.

“What’s more, unlimited local calls also mean expats can enjoy absolute peace of mind that those everyday local calls are free of charge, leaving them free to use their data for international calls.”

In addition to the ICB feature that allows users to filter unwanted foreign calls, giving them complete control and peace of mind, O’Rourke said the new Mute service makes it easier to handle unwanted calls when customers are unavailable, which can be especially useful for those who talk to people from a variety of time zones.

“Once activated, those trying to contact a customer will be notified of their unavailability, while customers will still be able to make and receive calls. Such innovative safety and security features are essential in improving the overall connection experience,” added O’Rourke.