Vodafone Qatar signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hamad International Airport (HIA) yesterday, highlighting the telecommunications operator’s 5G network, which is now live at HIA. Vodafone Qatar’s 5G

The MoU, signed by Vodafone Qatar CEO Sheikh Hamad Abdulla Jassim al-Thani and HIA’s chief operating officer Badr Mohamed al-Meer, on the sidelines of Qitcom 2019, “sets HIA on course to become one of the smartest connected airports in the world,” according to a Vodafone Qatar statement.

As part of HIA’s digital strategy, the state-of-the-art airport is already investing in cutting-edge smart technologies to transform customer experience with an end-to-end self-service passenger journey enabled by biometric facial recognition, it continued.

Innovative technologies are also being deployed to enhance operational excellence. The availability of Vodafone Qatar’s 5G network will help to support this by improving network response times and capacity, the statement noted.

Commenting on the agreement, Sheikh Hamad said, “Vodafone Qatar is proud to support HIA’s digital strategy through our 5G network. For airports, an intelligent 5G enabled wireless network that can power advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Big Data will be at the heart of transforming the passenger experience, enhancing safety, boosting operational efficiencies, and generating revenue.”

Support of the realisation of the Qatar National Vision 2030 Vodafone Qatar’s 5G

Al-Meer added, “HIA has been a pioneer in adopting emerging technology trends that deliver tangible business outcomes. HIA’s partnership with Vodafone Qatar will be pivotal in delivering ubiquitous ultra-high-speed communication, providing our passengers with connectivity like never before.”

Vodafone Qatar said it has demonstrated “an unwavering commitment” to building a world-class infrastructure in support of the realisation of the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Last month, the company’s leading role in the deployment of 5G was unveiled with the announcement that the extensive reach of its 5G network covers key locations across the country. In parallel, Vodafone Qatar also launched the country’s first ‘Unlimited 5G Plans’ to give mobile users the full 5G experience, and allow them to take advantage of its unprecedented speed.