The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority welcomes its new General Director

Mr. Horne comes to the TRA with over 40 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, for the last 22 of which he has headed a consulting company specializing in regulations covering telecommunications and wireless communications. He has in-depth experience in all aspects of regulation. Throughout his career he has advised company boards, ministers and regulators on regulatory and policy issues. He has undertaken projects in numerous European as well as Middle Eastern countries, most recently for the Government of Lebanon and the Jordanian Regulatory Authority.

In addition to his experience in regulation, Mr. Horne has significant experience in consumer protection. Until recently he was a member of the Ofcom (UK regulator) consumer panel. This Panel is tasked with advising the regulator on consumer issues and concerns. He also has a sound understanding of the needs of enterprises through his role as Enterprise Director on the Board of the UK Communications Managers Association

Commenting on the appointment, Dr. Mohammed J. K. Alghatam, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the TRA said: "It gives me great pleasure to welcome Mr. Alan Horne as the newly appointed General Director of the TRA. The Board of Directors of the TRA undertook a lengthy international search and selection process for the post of the General Director. Having met Mr. Horne, and taking into account his wide experience in regulation, we are certain that he will be able to successfully lead the TRA into a new phase of market development. I would like to take this opportunity to pledge the Board's support to Mr. Horne, whilst wishing him every success in this new venture."

Mr. Horne commented: "I am very pleased to join the TRA, an organization that has achieved a lot in the past three years. I am looking forward to building on this achievement and taking the necessary steps to move the organization and ultimately the industry to a new phase, in which we will achieve effective competition that enables consumers to enjoy affordable and innovative telecommunications services."

He further added: "I will also be working on improving the channels of communication between the TRA and its licensees and consumers. Better dialogue will help us understand in greater depth the concerns of consumers and the industry, and will in turn allow us to prepare regulations and take decisions which benefit the overall economy of Bahrain. Although the mission ahead of me is a challenging one, I believe that by working together with consumers and the industry we can create a competitive environment in which operators thrive and consumers receive quality services and good value for money."