Batelco leading the Gulf in affordable internet

From 10 October 2006 consumers in Bahrain will be able to benefit from a BD10 per month broadband internet service.

With download speeds of up to 256kbit/s, and a threshold of 2GB a month, this plan will satisfy the needs of most light to moderate users who don't download large video and music files and is ideal for high speed internet browsing and emailing.

An added bonus is there is no need for an extra telephone line. Broadband doesn't tie up your phone line, as dial up does, callers can always get through and users can make phone calls out, while surfing the net at the same time. Increased speed is also a major asset, with downloads being at least 400% faster than with a standard telephone and modem connection.

Bahrain will be leading the GCC with such an affordable internet access offer for consumers.

Batelco made its first application to the TRA for a BD10 internet package in January 2006, but after 5 months of further submissions to the authority, pre-registration and any further marketing of the product was blocked by a TRA Emergency Order, despite the fact that Batelco considered it had met all legal requirements.
The new service meets conditions imposed by the TRA relating to a separate service to be supplied to Batelco's competitors. Batelco lodged a new application to the TRA on 23 August which has been approved by the Regulator.

"We are delighted that the TRA's approval will now give the people of Bahrain a real value-for-money internet service," said Batelco Chief Executive Peter Kaliaropoulos.

"Batelco has shown again that it is an innovator and market leader not just in the Kingdom but across the GCC." He added.

Consumers can pre-register for the service from 13th September for delivery from 10 October onwards.