The Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology (ictQATAR) confirmed the successful transition of phone numbers in Qatar from seven to eight digits. The change took place just after midnight on Wednesday July 28, 2010, addressing the increasing demand for both fixed and mobile phone numbers in Qatar.

1. Why was there a change to the national numbering system? Why do we need another digit in the phone numbers?

With the population estimated to double by 2015 and businesses expanding, the existing numbering system won't meet the future demand. In addition, competition has driven growth in the demand for telephone numbers with many customers having more than one mobile handset. By expanding all existing and new telephone numbers to eight digits, Qatar will be able to meet the growing demand for more network services for years to come.

2. What has changed about phone numbers in Qatar?

For both fixed and mobile users, the first digit of every number was repeated, so that numbers that previously began with 3 now start with 33, those starting with 7 would now be 77 and so on. The affected numbers include those starting with 3,4,5,6 and 7. These changes are in effect for both Vodafone and Qtel customers.

Examples:

• 3152145 became 33152145
• 4856986 became 44856986
• 5319734 became 55319734
• 6226881 became 6226881
• 7251849 became 77251849

All emergency telephone numbers within Qatar, including 999 and 112, have not been affected by the change. Numbers used for SMS, toll free and paging services, short codes, and the numbers owned by the Ministry of Interior also remain the same. These are numbers beginning with 1,2,8 and 9.

3. What happens if I dial a number incorrectly?

Customers will receive an automated message asking them to dial the correct number in Arabic and English. This message will remain in place for three months, after which customers dialing an unknown number will hear, "The number you are calling is not in service."

Customers calling from outside Qatar will hear messages in the native language of the country from which they are dialing or in English. The international code for Qatar (+974) is not be affected.

4. Who can I contact for more information?

Qtel customers can dial 111 and ask to speak to the Number Change special service line. Vodafone customers can dial 111 from their mobile phone and speak to a Customer Care Champion. If Vodafone customers are calling from another number and not their Vodafone mobile, they should dial 800 7111.

5. What should enterprise customers do and who can assist them?

Enterprise customers should contact their respective key account managers who will provide them with the necessary assistance.

6. How will this affect public services, such as hospitals? Will there be an automated message or will the call be automatically redirected?

Emergency numbers are not affected by this process (112 remains unchanged). However, government facilities and public services changed their main office lines with the exception of the Ministry of Interior.

7. Is there any quick way I can update phone numbers stored in my phone?

Updating the phone directory is different for every handset. Please consult your handset manual and service providers for further details.

8. Is the change going to affect numbers used for SMS, toll free, paging services and short codes?

No, the change is only for standard fixed and mobile numbers.