Qatar Prepaid Mobile Users Demand Longer Credit Validity

Prepaid mobile users in Qatar are expressing frustration over the short validity periods of their credit balances. Both Ooredoo and Vodafone customers are affected by the brief time frames, which are causing inconvenience for those who don’t use their credit right away.

Ooredoo’s 30-Day Credit Validity Sparks Complaints

For Ooredoo users, recharge amounts between QR10 and QR99 come with a validity of just 30 days. This means if a customer does not use the credit within one month, their balance will be wiped out. For recharges of QR100 and above, the credit validity extends to 90 days. However, once the validity period expires, users are left unable to make calls or send messages until they recharge again.

One Ooredoo customer shared their experience, stating, “I recharged with QR80 but didn’t use it as I had internet at home and work. The credit was gone after one month. I think the validity period should be longer.” The issue arises because the validity period begins from the recharge date, and without a subsequent top-up, users lose all their remaining balance.

Vodafone Users Face Similar Issues

Vodafone's prepaid services also follow a similar pattern. Recharges ranging from QR10 to QR80 have a 30-day validity, while amounts between QR100 and QR500 last for 90 days. After 180 days without any recharge, the SIM card expires, leaving users without service.

A frustrated Vodafone customer commented, "I recharged with QR20 and didn’t use it in time. It expired after 30 days! If I’m out of town or busy, why can’t my credit last longer?" The customer noted the inconvenience of having to recharge again after returning from a trip, which adds extra costs and frustration.

Customers Call for Longer Validity Periods

Both Ooredoo and Vodafone customers are calling for a change in the current system, hoping for longer validity periods that would accommodate their varying usage needs. For those who don’t make frequent calls or use data, the current window feels too short, leaving users with wasted credit.