TRA promotes consumer choice in telecommunications services in new property developments

The workshop aimed at supporting telecommunications industry, investors and property developers in understanding TRA's proposed regulatory treatment recently published for public consultation and gather their views and feedback before finalizing the document.

TRA appreciates that certainty with regard to regulatory framework applicable to the provision of telecommunications infrastructure and services in new developments is very important for investors in developing their business plans and ensuring the supply of high quality competitive telecommunications services. Such telecommunications services are vital for developers to attract consumers and businesses tenants to their new developments and realise their investments."

Commenting on the workshop, Mr. Alan Horne, General Director of TRA said:

"It is a collective responsibility between TRA, licensed operators and property developers to ensure that residents of Bahrain have the right to enjoy benefits of competition and the ability to choose their provider regardless where they live or work. We will be closely working with the industry for a creative solution to achieve this goal."

The key elements of the Regulatory Strategy proposed by TRA are a focused contribution of developers towards the deployment of passive telecommunications infrastructure including ducts, chambers, manholes and cables; open access policy ensuring competitive choice of telecommunications services for consumers; consistent application of the existing regulatory framework to telecommunications in new developments.

Following the request from several parties, TRA has announced during the workshop the extension of the consultation period to reply on the position paper on deployment of telecommunications infrastructure in new property developments from 25 June 2009 to 4 pm on 31 July 2009.