Qtel to implement ictQATAR’s instruction to close down Qtel’s Virgin Mobile Service

Qtel announced today that it is taking steps to comply fully with ictQATAR’s instruction to close down Qtel’s Virgin Mobile Service (QVMS). ictQATAR recently issued Orders instructing Qtel to close down Qtel’s Virgin Mobile Service  and remove the Virgin Mobile  brand from the market.  The Orders also require Qtel to migrate all existing QVMS customers to another Qtel mobile offering or provide them with a full refund of unused credits in their QVMS accounts.

Qtel has confirmed that it intends to automatically migrate all existing QVMS customers to Qtel’s Hala service   This will allow QVMS customers to retain their distinctive ‘333’ mobile numbers as well as any existing mobile balances.  From that point onwards, Qtel’s Hala prices and validity rules will apply and customers will be able to recharge using Hala Recharge cards.

To complete the migration process, customers will then need to visit a Qtel outlet to swap their existing QVMS branded SIM card for a replacement Hala SIM card.  Alternatively, QVMS customers can visit a Qtel store and obtain a full cash refund for the value of their QVMS SIM card (QR 35) and any credit balance they have in their accounts.

Customers will have ample opportunity to obtain their replacement SIM cards or seek a refund.  Qtel will  communicate full details of the migration programme and customer refund options to its QVMS customers and provide them with reminders before finally de-activating any remaining active Virgin Mobile-branded SIM cards between the 1^st and the 3^rd of August 2011.

Qtel confirmed that it will also be de-activating its QVMS branded recharge cards and offering full cash refunds to distributors and agents who return un-used recharge cards to its outlets. 

In the interests of providing clarity to its customers and certainty in the market, Qtel is outlining how it will fully comply with ictQATAR’s Orders on this issue, providing QVMS customers with information about the straightforward migration path for their service to Qtel’s Hala service or refund. The company will continue to pursue its goal of providing simple and easy-to-use options in the near future for Qatar’s mobile users.

Qtel will announce the start date for its customer migration / refund programme and provide further details to customers in the next few days.