Vodafone Qatar under attack for changing network’s name

CAIRO – 9 July 2017: Vodafone Qatar closed its Facebook page on Saturday over angry comments by Arab users for changing the network name to Tamim Almajd (Glorious Tamim), a step considered by many as an expression of support to a regime and ruler backing terrorism.

The company reopened the page and deleted the posts stating that it is changing the network’s name into Tamim Almajd later on Saturday from its Facebook Page and Twitter account. The company stated on Friday that “There is no bigger pride than our network carrying the name of his highness Prince Tamim.”

Subsequently, Twitter users launched the hashtag

“boycott_Vodafone_terrorism_supporter” in addition to calling for Vodafone clients to switch to other networks. The initiative comes in parallel to the terror attack on a security concentration in North Sinai incurring the death and injury of 26 army soldiers.
The hashtag has been trending on Twitter.

Vodafone Egypt stated in a press release that “the acts of the company in Qatar do not represent it or the international company. Vodafone Egypt said the decision reflects the orientation of the majority of shareholders who are royal family members and Qatari investors.”
The Qatari state-owned telecommunications network Oredoo and others also changed their network name to Tamim Almajd.



Vodafone Egypt stressed its respect to the Egyptian market and its policies. Telecom Egypt owns 45 percent of the shares in the country, while the rest are owned by Vodafone International.

Several states announced on June 5 boycotting Qatar for its support and funding to terrorist groups. Till now, Qatar did not change its stance and refused to comply with four Arab states – UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt - demands.