Bahrain broadband is successful bidder for GSM 1800 Guard Band Frequency Licence

When combined with their investment in trialling the technology, Licence Application fees and network investment this makes an initial commitment for the first phase of development of the service in the order of BD2.4m.

This announcement was made at the opening of Bahrain Broadband financial bid at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in presence of representatives from Bahrain Broadband and the media.

Mr. Alan Horne, TRA's General Director, said:

"The use of the GSM Guard Band frequencies will allow Bahrain Broadband to provide important niche services to Companies and Government entities complimenting the data access services of the existing Mobile Services and WiMax licensed operators."

Mr. Mohammed Mahmood, TRA's Director of Technical and Operations, stated, "TRA is satisfied that Bahrain Broadband has demonstrated compliance with the rules of the auction process and TRA's standard licensing procedures. We will be awarding the service and frequency licences to Bahrain Broadband as soon as they update the company registration with the Ministry of Commerce to include the new licence activities."

Mr. Horne took the opportunity to say, "On this day, which also marks the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, I would like to congratulate Bahrain Broadband on their perseverance in this process. After two years of hard work Bahrain Broadband are finally able to bring this innovative technology to Bahrain and provide new Telecommunications services. Also the willingness of Bahrain Broadband to invest in excess of BD2.4m in Bahrain for the first phase of their business plan demonstrates faith in the stability of the Kingdom during this period of world financial turmoil and another step towards assisting Bahrain to achieve the development goals of the 2030 Economic Vision."