The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Bahrain (TRA) has been working on a new regulatory framework to enhance and promote the Fourth National Telecommunications Plan. The new laws would define the rules and obligations of all market players. The watchdog announced its proposals for regulatory improvements on a meeting with key players such as Batelco, Viva, and Zain. They all discussed how to deliver mobile services of higher quality to the Bahraini citizens.
In addition to that, TRA also confirmed during the transitional period prior to the completion of the regulatory framework, Batelco would continue delivering wholesale services to the mobile telecom operators.
Sheikh Nasser bin Mohamed Al Khalifa, TRA’s acting general director, explained during the meeting that the Bahrain reviewed the National Telecom Plan every three years to ensure it was in line with the latest trends and technologies. Its ultimate goal, added Sheikh Nasser, was to provide future-focused services and improve the telecom sector for all its stakeholders. “Delivering on government policies that fall under the plan is an essential priority for TRA, and the National Broadband Network is a huge pillar that will contribute to the fourth iteration”, he said.
In Sheikh Nasser’s view, the last meeting between the major telecom players and the government was productive, and it would help TRA achieve its final goal and complete the economic, regulatory framework.