The government of Qatar is planning to expand the emirate's broadband network to reach speeds of 50 megabits per second (Mbps).

According to the Peninsula Times, the project announced by ictQatar secretary-general Sheikh Hessa Al Jaber will allow for domestic growth.

She claims it will stimulate investment in new businesses by providing "fast and reliable connectivity" for users, which could generate new positions such as IT jobs in Qatar.

Commenting on the proposed 50Mpbs network, Business Travel Magazine editor Gill Upton explained such a move may attract international talent to the state, as "keeping in touch with their offices and the ability to work 24/7 is crucial to the business traveller".

The plans from the emirate's telecoms regulatory authority form part of a goal by Qatar to ensure it has a major IT infrastructure by 2030, with 63 per cent of households currently connected to broadband networks.