Qtel Mobile Money launched in Qatar

Customers in Qatar can now transfer money in Qatar and to overseas destinations through a “Mobile Wallet”, using the safe, convenient, fast and easy-to-use Qtel Mobile Money service. 

Launched today, the Qtel Mobile Money service is as easy to use as a mobile phone and registration for the service is absolutely free. Customers will be able to transfer money domestically and overseas, and buy Hala Top-Ups using their Mobile Money mWallet. 

The service will also enable customers to pay Qtel bills, make merchant payments and buy a wide range of services when the next phase goes live. 

Qtel Mobile Money is being launched in collaboration with a number of industry leaders, including Qatar National Bank (QNB). 

Waleed Al Sayed, Chief Operating Officer, Qtel, said: “The launch of Qtel’s Mobile Money will provide an important new service to hundreds of thousands of people in Qatar, and deliver security, speed and peace of mind. Qtel believes there is a significant market of people who currently rely on cash-based financial services, including money transfer services, to support their families. The launch of this new service will provide them with an important and safe alternative.”   

Ali Al Kuwari, Executive General Manager – Chief Business Officer at QNB said: “We are extremely honoured to support our partner Qtel in this journey.

Mobile Money is a revolutionary project for Qatar and the region and it is a testament to the consistent innovation that is being witnessed in the Qatari market. QNB has always strived, directly or with valued partners such as Qtel, to deliver innovative, quality products and services that foremost aim to simplify and ease the lives of all people from every financial background.” 

Qtel’s Mobile Money service provides every customer with a “mWallet”- an automatic account that can be accessed via their mobile phone. The service is accessible on all models of mobile and there is no requirement to change SIM cards or buy any special upgrades. 

In a world-first for Qtel, customers will be able to load money (Cash In) through Qtel’s national network of 200+ Self Service Machines (SSM), and through dedicated Qtel Shops across Qatar. 

After Cashing In, customers can send and receive funds within and outside of Qatar and use other services such as buying Hala Top Up by using simple commands on their mobile phone. Money can be withdrawn at dedicated Qtel Shops. 

Customers with Mobile Wallets can also buy Hala Top-Ups for their own or for any other Hala numbers. They will even be able to withdraw cash from ATMs, pay Shahry bills and buy goods over the counter in the next phase of the launch. 

Qtel today announced its first two international remittance destinations as Pakistan and the Philippines. Over the coming months, new countries will be added, based on the strongest areas of demand for remittance services. 

Customers can also send money to any other Qtel customer in Qatar, transferring money from their account to the other person quickly and securely. 

Qtel’s Mobile Money service will be particularly helpful for a significant number of so-called “underbanked” or “unbanked” customers who do not have access to traditional banking facilities. With today’s launch of the “Mobile Wallet” service in Qatar, a vital first step has been achieved that will provide its customers with a safe and convenient banking solution.   

The company is also working with employers in Qatar, to enable them to make direct payments of salaries into Qtel Mobile Money accounts. This service will be available from early 2012. 

Qtel also has plans to expand the Mobile Money service to include retail payments using Near Field Communications, (NFC) so that customers will be able to buy goods and services using their mobile phone. 

Starting today, customers will be able to register for Qtel Mobile Money, “Cash In” and “Cash Out” at five selected Qtel Shops:  City Centre, Al Sadd, Souk Al Najada, Lulu Ghraffa and Lulu Airport. 

Waleed Al Sayed concluded: “Qatar is becoming a highly technologically-advanced society, where the latest innovations are put to use in the service of the community. We are proud to be offering this fully-comprehensive service for all the people of Qatar, to ensure that everyone has the benefit of a secure Mobile Money solution.”