MANAMA: New spectrum for Wi-Fi and a price-comparison website for telecom services are among key proposals that the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) is working on as part of its 2022-2023 work plan.
The authority’s general director Philip Marnick told the GDN in an exclusive interview that the final plan is now ready after a review process that involved taking feedback from telecoms operators, ICT providers and key stakeholders.
Stating that the TRA will issue periodic reports on progress in implementation, the official said the plan is driven by four key themes: Implementing government policy outlined in the fifth National Telecom Plan; Ensuring network security and resilience; Providing reliable broadband for all; and Ensuring consumer empowerment and protection.
According to the official, the reason to look at new spectrum for Wi-Fi is to enable everybody to get full benefit of Bahrain being one of the most connected places in the world.
“We’ve got really fast broadband and fibre in around 62 per cent of all households in the country and what we are trying to do is to enable wireless devices that let users benefit from new and emerging applications that extend well beyond traditional Internet.”
A key element of the plan is a review of the existing licensing framework, analysis of the current licences and their continued relevance, and proposal of a new licensing system with terms and conditions that are suitable to meet the needs of the telecommunications industry in Bahrain.
Mr Marnick said changes to the current regime may be needed to ensure transparency of information and an effective mechanism to strike the right balance between the interest of service providers and users.
“We need to ensure that the universal services framework is appropriate and has the right balance between the interests of users and service providers.”
Another important initiative is the proposed introduction of a testing and trialling licence to facilitate innovation and development of telecommunication services that adopt emerging concepts and technologies.
The official highlighted that the TRA is working on a reference offer for BNET, which is the sole operator of the national fibre-optic broadband network.
The offer outlines tariffs for the products and services offered by BNET to licensed operators and is expected to lead to better pricing for consumers.
“We will undertake a review and consult to determine if changes are needed in BNET’s governance arrangements to safeguard non-discrimination between all market players,” explained Mr Marnick.
Also in the works is a Telecommunication Emergency Response Plan aimed at thwarting cyberattacks and other threats facing the sector.
The plan will lay the foundations for a sector-wide effective and co-ordinated response to a telecom emergency.
“We all depend upon on telecoms; it is essential it just works all the time,” said Mr Marnick.
“In emergency or disaster situations we need to ensure the TRA and industry can work together so we have a working telecoms system both here in Bahrain and to and from other countries.”
avinash@gdnmedia.bh
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