Batelco announces phase out of dial-up internet service by January 2010

Batelco has recently completed the migration of its entire fixed network to its state-of-the-art Next Generation Network (NGN) combining both data and voice services in one platform to become the first operator in the world to have a kingdom wide NGN in place.

"Following our cutting-edge network upgrade, Batelco was able to launch the fastest Internet speed in the Kingdom, up to 10Mbps. Furthermore with our recent tariff reductions of up to 40% on Batelco inet Broadband packages rental, and reductions up to 90% on the above usage threshold charges, our customers are benefitting from the best value for money packages, offering faster speeds at lower prices than ever before."

said Batelco Group General Manager Ahmed Al Janahi.

Broadband offers a far superior option to Dial-up Internet service with a number of benefits including:
• Up to five times faster than dial-up
• No more busy phone lines as its possible to use the line for both phone calls and internet simultaneously
• As Broadband Internet is not charged per minute, there is no need to worry about surprise bills or excess usage
• Batelco Broadband offers unlimited usage with no additional charges
• Round the clock support
Batelco's inet Broadband packages are available from as little as BD10 a month for residential customers and BD20 a month for business customers. This combination of low prices and speeds of up to 10Mbps presents the ideal opportunity to subscribe to the most reliable Internet service in Bahrain.

"Less than 5% of our customers still use Dial-up services and the number decreases on a monthly basis," said Mr. Al Janahi.

"We look forward to assisting any Dial-up customers with the necessary simple steps to migrate to a whole new world of high speed Broadband," added Mr. Al Janahi.

Dial-up residential customers are invited to visit any of Batelco's 21 Retail Shops located in Malls and other key locations around Bahrain to sign up for Batelco High Speed Broadband or to phone 196 for more information or assistance. Dial up Business customers may call their dedicated Account Manager or call Batelco Business Contact Centre on 17 88 11 44 to sign up for any of Batelco Business inet Broadband packages.