TRA - Bahrain to appoint consultancy firm to assist in developing policy for Telecom Universal Service and Access

The Minister and TRA are aiming to ensure that residents and businesses of the Kingdom of Bahrain have access to affordable telecommunications services, based on international best practices, with particular emphasis on the availability of competitive high speed broadband services. This requirement directly supports the recently issued Economic Vision 2030 for Bahrain.

The 2030 Economic Vision guides the long-term socio-economic development of Bahrain, including the telecommunications sector. It aims to ensure that telecommunications services are readily accessible and competitively priced and, thereby, contribute to economic growth and providing a stable base for businesses.

Bahrain is known as a leader in the competitiveness of the telecommunications sector in the region, however the government and TRA acknowledge the requirement to ensure the sustainability of the sector, and the availability of internationally competitive telecommunications services, to continue encouraging inward investments.

TRA is seeking a consultancy firm, who will be tasked to prepare a study, and draft a statement for public consultation, on the appropriate policy to achieve universal service and access to telecommunications services required by residents and businesses. The consultancy firm will also be tasked to draft a national broadband strategy for Bahrain based on assessments of government, consumers and business predicted future needs and requirements.

TRA's General Director Mr. Alan Horne said:

"H.E. the Minister and TRA recognize the need to have a thorough assessment of the future telecommunications needs of Bahrain so as to ensure appropriate actions are taken to achieve Universal competitive broadband communications services, at internationally competitive prices, to support economic and social goals as outlined in the second national telecommunications plan and the 2030 economic vision of Bahrain."

The Request for Proposal document can be found on TRA's website under the Tenders section. Interested consultancy firms should submit their proposals by 4:00 p.m. (GMT +3) on 14 May 2009.