TRA Orders VIVA to Stop Using Unapproved Term

Mobilk - The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of the Kingdom of Bahrain issued on 6 February 2012 an order to VIVA-Bahrain to immediately stop the enforcement of a term requiring consumers to pay BD 1,500 upon the termination of its Mobile Special Number Service.

All telecommunications licensees are required by their licenses to notify TRA of modifications to their standard subscriber agreements for TRA’s approval, however VIVA Bahrain did not notify TRA of the unapproved term before it implemented it. TRA was also concerned that the unapproved term would impede the uptake of the mobile number portability service in Bahrain, and negatively impact consumer choice and competition.

According to the order, VIVA-Bahrain should ensure that the unapproved term is removed from any new copies of its application form by 17 February 2012. Any subscriber that has been charged the BD1,500 for terminating the service is also entitled to a refund from VIVA-Bahrain.

The Authority would like to highlight that VIVA Bahrain is still free to submit the terms and conditions of the Mobile Special Number Service for TRA’s review. Once that has gone through due process other fees may be imposed under the approved terms and conditions.

The full TRA order to VIVA can be viewed on TRA’s website at www.tra.org.bh.