Batelco invests BD21 million for faster, cheaper Internet

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The company's Broadband Bahrain initiative will include a massive investment in Internet infrastructure which will ensure faster access and cheaper prices; the continued roll-out of WiFi coverage throughout the Kingdom; the continued placement of MPLS networks for businesses and organizations; and a raft of additional products, services and advances - all designed to ensure that Bahrain's telecommunications capabilities continue to be amongst the best in the world.

'These days, a state-of-the-art Broadband network is a pre-requisite for any modern and advanced society,' explains Tony Hart, Chief Executive at Batelco. 'The world is now dependent on telecommunications networks that connect individuals with the rest of the region and world.

'Batelco's Broadband Bahrain initiative will make communicating easier, faster and cheaper than ever before and the positive results of our investment will be passed on to our customers. Throughout 2005, Batelco customers can expect to see more attractive packages, more affordable prices and enhanced performance.'

Batelco's Internet infrastructure investment will include the installation of new equipment together with upgrades and improvements to existing fixed and mobile networks, with a view to moving towards state-of-the-art converged networks.

'People and organizations are seeing the value in deploying IP-based converged communications networks infrastructures,' explains Tony. 'These include IP Telephony, unified messaging, voicemail, customer contact solutions and audio, video and Web conferencing. Batelco's investment will enable us to provide all of this as part of a world-class Broadband Internet infrastructure.'

Batelco is also rolling WiFi out around the Kingdom in a programme that makes it easier and more convenient for surfers to connect to the web whilst out and about. Provided that users are within about 100 metres of a WiFi base station, they are able to connect at speeds of around 30 times faster than standard dial-up connections. The company has plans to activate WiFi hotspots in a host of additional locations throughout Bahrain, including cafes, restaurants, malls and hotels, in addition to the airport.

Batelco's plans for its MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) based IP networks will also be a core part of the Broadband Bahrain programme, with MPLS set to become the core of all future network applications and services. In simple terms, this state-of-the-art technology allows many divergent and distant sites to be integrated in one system which can supply a variety of different needs and applications. These include video, voice and data communications together with most business communications requirements.

'The Broadband Bahrain programme will provide super-fast access for a range of different needs ranging from advanced business applications to entertainment services for private users,' explains Adel Daylami, Senior Manager - Voice and Data Product Marketing Services at Batelco. 'Batelco's massive investment sends a clear signal to our customers that we are determined and totally committed to providing the best and fastest Broadband Internet services to each and every one of our customers. This is truly the dawn of a new age for Bahrain's Internet users.'