Telecommunications' Consumer Advisory Group raises issues of concern and interest directly to Batelco's Chief Executive

Mr. Kaliaropoulos attended the meeting upon an invitation from the Group.

In the opening speech, the Chairperson of the Advisory Group Shaikha Haya bint Rashid Al- Khalifa said: 'We would like to thank Batelco for accepting our invitation, for providing high class telecommunications services, and for its contribution to Bahrain's society. In this meeting we are aiming to get information directly from Batelco on a number of issues of interest to consumers that will help us formulate some recommendations to TRA as well as Batelco for the purpose of improving the prices and the quality of the services provided to consumers'.

During the Meeting with Batelco's Chief Executive, members of the Advisory Group raised issues of concern and interest to consumers such as; electronic billing, subsidized and special packages for low income and special needs users, the speed of internet services and the cost of prepaid calls services.

Batelco's Chief Executive Mr. Kaliaropoulos agreed to take onboard all suggestions made by the group for study and consideration.

Commenting on this Meeting, TRA's General Director Mr. Alan Horne said: 'I would like to praise the Consumer Advisory Group for the efforts they made to open direct channels of dialog with operators and understand the market offerings, such meetings are of great benefit in raising the voice of consumers and acting as a means to improve the services provided through the suggestions made by the group to operators and to TRA'.