TRA hosts a discussion with all stakeholders to develop a national spectrum planning and allocation policy

The meeting's objective was to discuss issues related to the development of a national radio spectrum planning and allocation policy.

The meeting was attended by representatives from; Directorate of Wireless Licensing, Frequency and Monitoring, Ministry of Interior, Bahrain Defense Force, Civil Aviation Affairs, Bahrain TV Corporation, General Organization of Sea Ports, and TRA.

TRA's General Director Mr. Alan Horne in his opening speech said: 'Having a comprehensive national spectrum policy, that tackles the efficient use of all radio frequency usage, is an important step to support the development of economic, social, safety and security activities in the Kingdom. However, the current situation is different; we have a policy restricted to telecommunications spectrum usage only. The aim of this meeting is to debate the concerns of all interested parties involved in radio frequency usage, and collect initial feedback to complete the National Spectrum Planning and Allocation Policy'.

TRA earlier this year appointed InterConnect Communication (ICC) as an independent consultancy firm to carry out the project of developing a National Spectrum Planning and Allocation Policy.

During the meeting, ICC presented the draft National Spectrum Planning and Allocation Policy.

The presentation included an assessment of current practices, based on information obtained during previous interviews with stakeholders, and also included recommendations for the way forward.

TRA's Spectrum Adviser, and the chairman of this meeting, Mr. Karl van Heeswijk said: 'First of all we would like to thank all the parties involved for their participation in this meeting. It is very important for all nations to have a policy for the usage of this scarce and valuable resource. We all need to balance the requirements of security forces, defense forces, broadcasters, telecommunications providers and the aviation and shipping industries. We also need to do everything possible to minimize the likelihood of interference between all of these user groups, and to the spectrum users of neighboring states. All participants in this meeting will have the opportunity over the next month to submit their feedback on the first draft of the National Spectrum Planning and Allocation Policy'.