TRA agree on new procedure for erection of Wireless Masts with Central and Muharraq Municipalities

During its meetings, TRA explained and agreed with the council that wireless technology meeting the standards set by ministerial order number 4 of 2009 that regulates the use of such technology to serve the genera, provides an important enabler for many mobile and broadband telecommunications services which enrich quality of life in many ways, including supporting the generation of jobs, improving education and enhancing the reach of eGovernment services to the public.

Mobile and WiMax operators have all made the necessary applications for aerial and mast sites after obtaining the required permits from Aviation and the Commission responsible for the environment. However concern over Health issues has in many instances meant that Council had not taken any action. In order to meet their service requirements operators had therefore been forced to proceed with the erection of aerials and mast without Council permits.

It was agreed with the Municipality Councils that the procedures and guidelines for erection of masts do not to be updated and clarified for everyone's benefit. It was agreed to work together to review and where required to revised procedures and Guidelines concerning the approval process for new masts and aerial sites. This exercise should be completed within 3 months. During this 3 month period no action will be taken against operators. During this grace period licensed operators will continue to apply for mast erection approval from Municipalities complying with the appropriate laws and regulations that are being used in the kingdom of Bahrain.

TRA is working with the industry in preparing the revised Guidelines and Procedures for erection of aerials and masts for review by the Councils.
The revised procedures will ensure there is clarity as to the responsibility of each party, the technical requirements and the safety parameters for the erection of wireless antennas and masts. The revised Guidliens and Procedure will be drafted in accordance with the local regulations and the best international standards.
The procedures will include the time frame in which each party should respond so that operators are able to meet their commitments to provide telecommunications services to the general public in a timely manner.

Once the new procedure agreed TRA along with all stakeholders will be reviewing all the sites compliance with the new procedure. If any site found not in compliance, the operator will be provided with a period to upgrade to ensure compliance, if the site is not upgraded within the time frame the operators will be obliged to remove mast.

TRA General Director Mr. Alan Horne said "I would like to thank the Municipality Councils for the important role they play in supporting the provisioning of wireless telecommunications services. TRA will be working closely with the municipality councils to ensure that their concerns are addressed in the revised Guidelines and Procedure in particular concerning public safety."

Mr. Horne went on to say "The erection of more aerials and masts, which are sympathetic to surroundings, is important for the development of wireless networks to support society and the economy within Bahrain and directly supporting the enhancement of public reach to the broadband services at affordable prices mandated by the Kingdom 2030 economic vision".