Bahrain’s Cabinet yesterday approved an auction for fourth generation (4G) mobile telephone frequencies as part of efforts to upgrade the kingdom’s broadband infrastructure.

Minister of State for Telecommunications Affairs Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa submitted a memo in this regard, said a report in our sister publication, the Gulf Daily News.

Mobile phone companies operating in Bahrain will be invited to vie for the 4G mobile contract. No new mobile telephone operator will be allowed to enter the market.

Batelco hails move

The chief executive of leading telecom operator Batelco Group Shaikh Mohamed bin Isa Al Khalifa said the decision is crucial for commercially launching LTE in Bahrain.

“Batelco is ready with the network technology in place and we hope to be successful in winning the required spectrum to deliver this much awaited advancement to our customers,” he said.

“We extend our appreciation to the leadership and the government for their directives which has led to this crucial decision. The leadership’s support for the advancement of telecommunications in Bahrain has ensured it has remained one of the leading business hubs of the region.”

LTE refers to the fourth generation of mobile technology and enables the delivery of super fast data speeds.

“There is no doubt that LTE/4G will stimulate the path to the networked society in Bahrain by enabling global connectivity to the people, businesses and society,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service