Regulatory experts from Arab telecommunications regulators meet in Manama

The workshop was attended by representatives of 9 regulators drawn from the Arab Regulators Network (AREGNET).

The AREGNET Benchmarking Group worked on the annual update of the Price Benchmarks of 2007 with the assistance of Teligen. The Price Benchmarks covers fixed PSTN, mobile and broadband services for baskets of consumption and enable countries to assess and track over time their relative performance with other Arab and OECD countries.

The group also reviewed wholesale prices and regulatory measures across the region with the assistance of Cullen International, a specialist consulting company in telecommunications regulation.

AREGNET aim to prepare a benchmark report to assist Regulators across the region in understanding their comparative position. Benchmarking is one of the most valuable tools available to regulators.

It enables the monitoring of progress and assists in the identification of areas which may require attention. Regional cooperation in data collection and analysis reduces information asymmetries associated with regulation.

Alan Horne, TRA General Director said, "AREGNET, as a forum where regulatory experts from the region exchange views and work together is an increasingly important forum for regulators. The Benchmarking Group, thanks to its collective effort and dedication, is developing two very important comparative reports that will assist Arab regulators in their decision-making process."