Growing Qatar's information and communication technology (ICT) sector is one of the government's primary goals over the next 10 years. Due in large part to the high penetration rate of both fixed-line and mobile telecommunications technology, analysts think that internet offerings are a sure bet for future growth. Currently, 53% of Qatari households have an internet connection and only 33% have access to broadband. With so much room to grow, the government is investing heavily in the ICT sector. The Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology (ictQATAR), established in 2004, has initiated 12 programmes. One of these, ConnectQatar, aims to bring the latest in network infrastructure to schools, hospitals and government buildings. In general, new technology has had a positive and streamlining effect in Qatar. Whereas it used to take 35-120 days to register a new company, it now can take as little as 15 minutes online. Internet access has introduced a number of problems as well. Software piracy is rampant, although plans are being developed to counter it. Ultimately, ictQATAR hopes that pervasive internet availability will help to connect Qatar to the rest of the world. In this chapter there is an interview with Hessa Al Jaber, Secretary-General, ictQATAR.

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