DOHA: Qatar will never be the same after tonight as Vodafone switches on its network, finally ending the long wait for a second telecommunications company that may make a difference in the way people looks at mobile communication. Vodafone’s bid to make a difference in Qatar was witnessed recently with the announcement of the establishment of Vodafone Qatar Foundation.

The much-anticipated exclusive event would also see the auction of 40 star numbers allocated to Vodafone by ictQatar. Successful bidders would have the chance to claim ownership of the prestigious mobile numbers, making them part of the historic night.

All the seven-digit easy-to-remember star numbers start with 7. A star number buyer is entitled to transfer the use of the mobile number to a third party on certain conditions. “At least 500 guests are expected to attend the auction of 40 special numbers, one of which is 7771777 chosen by Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton,” Lana Khachan, Communications Manager of Vodafone Qatar, told The Peninsula yesterday.

The event will kick off at 7 tonight at Al Dana Island in Sharq Village and Spa.

Renowned auction house Sotheby’s would facilitate the auction. “It would be a night full of colour, excitement, music and lots of fun,” said Khachan.

The two-hour show would also witness electrifying performances of renowned British all-girl quartet ‘Bond’ and Norman Perryman who would mesmerize the audience with his unique talent of painting images to live music.

Only bidders above 18 years of age would be allowed to participate in the auction with valid invitations or entry tickets sold at QR500.

In a press conference conducted recently, Grahame Maher, Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone said they are expecting to raise around QR15m during the auction. The fund would be added to the initially allocated fund worth QR1m to be used for Vodafone Qatar Foundation’s various initiatives; one of which is to extend assistance to Reach Out To Asia (ROTA).

With approximately 10,000 hopefuls who registered to be one of the first 1,000 mobile number owners, Vodafone Qatar has been much-awaited by mobile users since it was finally granted licence by Qatar in June last year.