MANAMA: A workshop to shed light on the success of the National Broadband Network (NBN) and share experience with other regulators from the region was organised by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA).
The NBN project was a key objective in the government’s 4th National Telecom Plan aimed at changing the dynamics of competition in Bahrain from one based on infrastructure, to one based on the provision of innovative services as superfast broadband speeds become the gold standard across the local industry.
In simple terms, this project is the result of Batelco splitting into two separate independent entities. The newly formed BNET is a wholesale enterprise managing Bahrain’s fixed infrastructure.
Batelco along with STC Bahrain and Zain Bahrain among other ISPs would lease this infrastructure to offer retail services to end users.
As the first country in the Mena region to separate the incumbent into two entities and create an entirely new entity with the responsibility of providing all licensees access to a single National Broadband Network, regulators from the GCC have expressed keen interest in benefiting from Bahrain’s experience.
Workshop participants included delegates from TRA UAE, CITC in Saudi, TRA Oman and CITRA in Kuwait.
In a statement, TRA Bahrain acting general director Shaikh Nasser bin Mohamed Al Khalifa said, “the necessity for the national broadband network project was very clear, as the link between ultra-fast Internet and economic opportunities and possibilities is undeniable. Through careful consideration, we determined the best way for Bahrain to ensure success of the NBN project, while capitalising on unique geographic characteristics, avoiding the need for duplication of networks.
“The development of the new regulatory framework had at its core the invigoration of competition, the launch of innovative products and services and ubiquitous fibre coverage in Bahrain.”
“The TRA firmly believes that consumers and businesses will reap the rewards of this new framework, expecting operators to compete based on enhanced services, and for the impact of the new national broadband network to be felt for generations to come, across all sectors, serving as a major component in the government’s larger strategy of becoming a hub for ICT and a focal-point of innovation.”
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