Bahrain's customers to benefit

Batelco has and will always comply with the telecommunications laws and other laws of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Batelco does not have the power to make available to its customers new products and new prices. Unlike other telecommunications licensed operators, everything Batelco wishes to offer its customers in Bahrain requires the approval of the TRA, consistent with conditions of its license.

Batelco has been stopped on a number of occasions from launching new products and lowering tariffs by the TRA. Multiple detailed information requests often involve significant delays or conditional approvals or rejections.

"We fully support Government policy and initiatives to make the Kingdom the most competitive market place for Broadband services in the Middle East," said Batelco Chief Executive Peter Kaliaropoulos.

"We must not lose sight that aggressive competition benefits the consumers and makes Bahrain a more attractive destination for companies to establish their regional headquarters and contribute to the Kingdom's economy."

"It is important that the public is fully informed about Batelco's willingness and ability to deliver new services at lower prices."

"Batelco and the TRA will continue to work together to ensure consumers benefit from Batelco's lower prices and higher Broadband speeds," he said.

"Information presented to the public was factually and legally correct. We are clearly stating the fact that such a Broadband package can only be made available when the TRA has approved it."

"This is consistent with the tariff approval process and the law. It is definitely in the interests of consumers and other licensed operators to clearly know what Batelco is willing and able to offer in the market place," Mr. Kaliaropoulos added.

"As we have shown the public with the BD10 internet offer, 50% reductions in business internet services and ongoing promotional deals offering better value, Batelco is prepared to lead by example and stimulate a stronger competitive environment."

We are confident that we comply with the law and are eagerly awaiting approval from the TRA for our new Broadband Plus service. It is a great offer for the public and gives them more options to choose amongst many Internet Service Providers in Bahrain," concluded Mr. Kaliaropoulos.

Batelco further clarified that information recently published regarding Broadband Plus including up to 8 hours Free calls to Mobiles, Unlimited Free local calls, up to 70% off International calls, as well as Up to 2M broadband speeds is not approved by the TRA and is awaiting TRA approval before it can sign customers up.