Batelco Bahrain Announces Low Priced,High Speed Broadband for Bahrain

Would you like internet access from home at up to 10MB speeds and 50% price reduction? Batelco says "can do" but it seems Bahrain is destined to wait a lot longer to enjoy lower prices and higher speed, residential broadband services. Batelco, since December 2008, has not been granted approval from the TRA (Telecommunications Regulatory Authority) to introduce lower prices and higher speeds.

"High speed, broadband service is an essential catalyst for a knowledge economy and underpins Bahrain's Economic Vision for 2030," stated Batelco Chief Executive Officer Peter Kaliaropoulos.

Bahrain has the privilege of being the first country in the world with complete nation-wide Broadband access and is a global leader in telecommunications infrastructure, through Batelco’s investment in a New Generation Network.

"It is extremely disappointing that the TRA refuses to approve lower prices and higher speeds despite significant investment, over BD22m, in Bahrain’s fixed network."

"The TRA continues to apply harsh, unfair and unreasonable regulatory measures against Batelco resulting in significant delays and rejection of innovative new products & services that could otherwise be introduced into the market for the greater benefit of Bahrain and its citizens," added Mr. Kaliaropoulos.

"Batelco is concerned about the TRA's decision making which impacts on its ability to offer better value to its customers. Whilst Batelco aims to ensure Bahrain is a leader amongst its neighbours and the region, it continues to be hampered by a slow, cumbersome and conditional approval regime by the TRA."

"Such interpretation of regulatory policy by the TRA is considered discriminatory to Batelco and does not encourage the introduction of new services. Why invest BD22m in a new generation network and not be permitted to offer 10MB broadband speeds to citizens at the earliest opportunity," questioned Mr Kaliaropoulos.

"The TRA should be delighted with Batelco’s investments in Bahrain’s infrastructure and actively encourage us to introduce higher speeds, not delay us. Our submission to introduce speeds up to 10MB and reduce our prices by up to 50% continues to receive no support from the TRA."

"It is absurd especially when Batelco is offering the same services to other licensed operators for up to 30% below Batelco’s retail prices. Batelco and all other telecommunications operators, with fixed and wireless technologies, have an opportunity to accelerate the introduction of high speed broadband services across the Kingdom. It is very unfortunate that we continue to be denied such opportunity," said Mr Kaliaropoulos.

"We continue to be frustrated in every attempt we make to introduce innovation and better value. Whilst Batelco is clear about its regulatory and legal obligations as a market leader, the TRA has not demonstrated the goodwill to allow Batelco to be more responsive, more innovative and introduce broadband services on par with neighbouring economies."

"We led the acceleration of Broadband services with our BD10 offer across the Kingdom in the past. The issue is simple: why delay lower prices for high speed internet services from Batelco and other licensed operators and deny more choice and competition across the Kingdom?" Mr. Kaliaropoulos continued to say.

"Whilst disappointed with the lack of support for higher speeds and lower prices, we will continue our many attempts to convince the TRA that consumers and the Kingdom can benefit if Batelco and other licensed operators are allowed to offer better value internet services," he concluded.

 

March 22,2009