1 July 2004
DUBAI - Bahrain's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) announced yesterday that Bahrain's telecommunications market will be fully opened to competition with the availability of local and international fixed voice and data services licenses from today.
A. Andreas Avgousti, General Director, TRA said: "This is an exciting time for Bahrain's telecommunications industry and subscribers as we see Bahrain advance to the forefront of the regional telecoms markets. Bahrain has already begun to witness the benefits of competition by way of greater value for consumers and investment in the national economy and full market liberalisation is expected to enhance these gains. Supported by the vision of its leadership, the Kingdom's telecoms market stands ready to provide optimal opportunities for regional and international investors and operators alike."
With the exception of mobile, an area which will see only two operators until at least 2005 following the granting of the second mobile license in April 2003, there are no limitations on the number of licenses to be awarded in each area. In addition, operators may opt to utilise licences for the provision of services to specific market segments. For example, they can combine or bundle one or more products or services to meet sector- specific needs such as those in financial services, e-learning or healthcare, to name but a few.
The licensing application process and fees have been established with an eye toward encouraging participation in the sector, where growing consumer demand is coupled with the ever increasing needs of Bahrain's business community characterised by more than 460 financial institutions, numerous large-scale real estate and tourism projects and the planned $2 billion Bahrain Financial Harbour.
Avgousti said: "We are proud to become the first telecoms market in the region to be fully open for competition. In reaching this important milestone, the Authority has worked diligently to lay the foundation for the region's most dynamic, competitive and well-regulated marketplace. Based on the principles of transparency and accountability, we have established a framework that provides both current and future market operators and subscribers with clear rights, obligations and long-term visibility. We are confident these efforts will see the promised benefits of competition effectively delivered to Bahrain and position investors and market operators to thrive and capitilise on the opportunities both here and across the regional markets as a whole."
Successful applicants, as defined by Bahrain's Telecommunications Law, must be financially sound, technically competent, and capable and willing to comply with security and anti-obscenity requirements. In order to apply for a license all foreign companies must be Bahrain domiciles or appropriately registered branches of foreign entities.
BY SANDHYA D'MELLO
© Khaleej Times 2004
