TRA Bahrain invites the industry to express interest and opinions on the Award Process of the 3rd Mobile Operator Licence

In this Expression of Interest invitation, TRA is seeking from potential applicants for the 3rd MNO in Bahrain, opinions regarding the preferred spectrum band(s)to be assigned, opinions regarding the amount of spectrum required, and any additional measures such as infrastructure sharing, national roaming and an exclusivity period. which are considered to be essential for the entry of a 3rd MNO.

TRA's General Director Mr. Alan Horne, commented by saying:

'TRA is charged with ensuring the telecommunications regulations not only enable consumers have real choice in service providers but that prices and quality meet international best practice. A Third mobile operator will, we believe, considerably assist us meet this objective and further support the growth in the economy and market in Bahrain'.

He went on to say 'This consultation will assist us to design the award process. TRA wishes to maximise the transparency of the process and therefore seeks views on the preferred licence award mechanism such as single stage process of either a beauty parade or an auction, or a sealed bid; or a multi- stage process including technical pre-qualification and auction or sealed bid. We are seeking speed to role out services, quality and innovation, not necessarily high bid prices'.

TRA has indicated it anticipates awarding the licence by 31st December, 2008.

In line with this commitment, it has set 4th December, 2008 as the target date for awarding the 3rd MNO licence.

TRA's Spectrum Advisor and the project manager of the award process Mr. Karl van Heeswijk said: 'We strongly encourage all interested potential mobile operators to provide their feedback to us on the aspects of the award process. The aim of TRA is to design and schedule a simple and transparent award process'.

TRA has moved quickly after the end of the consultation period on its Strategic and Retail Market Review which ended on 31st March.

The award of a 3rd Mobile Operator is one of 9 actions set out in the Draft Decision issued by TRA.