The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has approved price changes to the wholesale services Bahrain Network (BNET) provides to internet service providers (ISPs) to support consumer and business fiber broadband services. This decision will allow the speed of fiber broadband services to more than double, at no additional cost to consumers.
Commenting on this development, Philip Marnick, General Director of TRA, said, "To ensure the prices we pay are globally competitive, we benchmark prices not just against our neighbors in the GCC, but also against other advanced competitive markets. We already have competitive mobile prices, and these changes we have approved will help ensure the prices we pay for fiber broadband services remain globally competitive.”
The TRA remains committed to fostering a robust and competitive telecommunications environment that benefits consumers, supports economic growth, and positions Bahrain as a leader in digital connectivity.
“In approving the changes, we have also ensured that all telecommunications operators can continue to invest in their networks and services to ensure we always remain one of the best-connected countries in the world,” he continued.
BNET Signs Asset Transfer Deal with stc Bahrain
In a significant step towards achieving a single fiber network, BNET, the national company responsible for providing fiber-based broadband networks in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and stc Bahrain, have signed an asset transfer deal.
The transfer has been enabled by TRA’s approval of wholesale products which will allow stc Bahrain to continue serving its customers with the same excellent quality of service and coverage they offer.
Eng. Khalid Al Osaimi, CEO of stc Bahrain, stated, "stc Bahrain is proud to partner with BNET in this transformative initiative for Bahrain's digital economy and Bahrain Economic Vision 2030. The transfer of our fiber assets to BNET is a key milestone, supporting national policy and ensuring equal access to ultrafast broadband services.”
This agreement aligns with the Fifth National Telecommunications Plan, with the aim of achieving a single network objective under BNET. The single fiber broadband network will support sustainable and competitive growth in Bahrain’s telecommunications and ICT sectors.
“We are in the midst of a new chapter in the development of the local telecommunications sector, where we have introduced fairer competition among telecommunications companies in the retail sector for the benefit of consumers,” said Ahmed Aldoseri, CEO of BNET. “We are confident that this step will play a pivotal role in realizing the government’s vision and cement Bahrain’s position as a leading regional destination in the telecommunications and technological innovation sector.”
Bahrain’s Connectivity Landscape
Bahrain has established itself as a global leader in communications, boasting nationwide 5G coverage and extensive fiber broadband availability. This empowers consumers to choose broadband services that best suit their needs. Reliable broadband connectivity plays a crucial role in promoting inclusive participation in the digital economy.
Whether delivered via 5G or fiber networks, ensuring access to high-quality services at competitive prices is essential; thus, the TRA is confident that the recent enhancements to BNET's services will support Bahrain’s vision of becoming one of the world’s best-connected nations while maintaining pricing that remains competitive on an international scale.
Moreover, BNET has partnered with licensed operators and works closely with the TRA to ensure the availability of suitable wholesale access products.
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