Batelco plans to offer most affordable internet service in the GCC

Batelco recognizing that customers in Bahrain will be faced with more choices from new entrants and changes in technology, have set customer satisfaction as the company's most critical priority.

During 2005 Batelco committed several million to upgrade its current offerings and introduce new ones. Batelco focused on enhancing its products while keeping affordability a priority. Last year, a host of new products and services, such as VOIP/IDD prepaid cards and customer service initiatives including Home Delivery, resulted in an overall better experience for both residential and business users.

Batelco recently announced significant investments in its fixed and mobile networks to improve mobile coverage, gain access to new international cable systems, build data centres and deliver faster and more affordable broadband services.

Reductions for Broadband Business Packages of up to 43 per cent were recently announced. Batelco's vision is to offer Broadband service to every household in Bahrain by 2008.

Batelco recently conducted customer research into the satisfaction of its customers with its broadband service. Research showed that almost 50% of its customers believed that its internet access rates are high and expected faster access.

Batelco has now addressed the needs of its customers with an offer of lower rates for 256/64Kbps, 2 GB threshold and for excess usage. Batelco stressed that this offer requires regulatory approval from the TRA before it is offered to customers and recently submitted a proposal for approval.

Batelco believes that this offer to all residential customers will stimulate the take up rate of broadband by subscribers. Total number of internet subscribers in Bahrain has not grown for the last two years.

Batelco also believes through more affordable and faster internet services it will contribute to economic growth and facilitate residents embracing e-Government initiatives and making Bahrain a more "Intelligent" IT society.

Following revised prices for its business broadband users, Batelco has now introduced the best value ever for internet access in the Kingdom, keeping its commitment to improve customer satisfaction and lead the market.