TRA consults the public on possible amendments to Batelco's Reference Offer

Batelco is due to submit its next Reference Interconnection Offer (RIO) and Reference Access Offer (RAO), which are the component parts of Batelco's Reference Offer, to the TRA for review on 4 December 2007.

TRA is reviewing a number of key points in the RIO and RAO, raised as a result of its experience over the past number of reviews as well as observations from other operators in the market.

The review will cover the key areas like forecasting requirements, service level agreements, the joint working manual, procedures for ordering and handover, supply terms and conditions and the general structure of the RIO and RAO.

TRA will also accept any other comments or proposals with respect to other suggested amendments or changes that stakeholders consider could be made to Batelco's existing RIO and RAO, together with reasoned explanations for any such observations and proposals.

The consultation document also outlines the TRA's and Batelco's proposal to synchronise and unify the submission and assessment of Batelco's RIO and RAO.

Commenting on the review, TRA's General Director, Alan Horne said: "TRA hopes to receive constructive input from all operators and stakeholders on the existing Reference Offer from Batelco and whether, if at all, it requires amendment. We hope that the proposals will enhance the Reference Offer Document to ensure its continued status as a world class international best practice document. Ultimately such a document should encourage continued inward investment into the Telecommunications sector in Bahrain and therefore the economy of the Kingdom as a whole."

The consultation document is published on TRA's website and the closing date for submissions is 11 January 2008.