Bahrain iGA discusses satellite spectrum allocation strategy
MANAMA, October 3, 2020
Bahrain's Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) held a key meeting to discuss the
implementation of the National Frequency Plan.
The National Frequency Plan allocates land, air, and maritime satellite spectrums locally in line with radio regulations issued by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).
It supports modern technologies and applications, meeting the requirements of the Bahrain’s telecommunications sector, including government, security, and private organizations, as well as individuals.
The kingdom was among the first Arab countries to adopt the Plan, which reflects the outcome of the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt in November 2019.
The plan was reissued following the conclusion of the WRC, a part of the ITU Radiocommunications and is held every four years.
Since 2015, the National Frequency Plan has been increasingly flexible, lifting restrictions relating to all frequency spectrums and providing them in a comprehensive way to users. They are distributed as per strategic plans adopted by the government which serve Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector requirements.
Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, the iGA CEO chaired the third Spectrum Strategy and Coordination Committee meeting, which was held remotely and attended by representatives of nine government organizations.
Al Qaed emphasized that the committee is working to provide for the spectrum requirements of various sectors in support of the Government Action Plan. The updated National Frequency Plan, which is to be issued as a digital booklet, will allow for a more effective use of the spectrum and resources. This, in turn, will help improve the quality of mobile and satellite communications and other radio services.
He said the plan served as a technical guide for radiocommunications users in Bahrain, including global manufacturers and developers of communications systems noting that since its plan announcement in July.
The digital booklet plan being issued by the kingdom will serve as a reference for other countries, providing important information in a convenient and transparent manner.
This may help attract investment by showcasing Bahrain's clear and flexible radiocommunications plans and regulations, said Al Qaed.
An outline for the national dissemination of frequencies has been adopted and will be provided via the iGA corporate website and the National Portal, bahrain.bh.
The plan will serve a range of sectors in Bahrain, enabling them to access information quickly and easily, he stated.
The committee discussed a number of other items, including a report by the Chairman of the Subcommittee for International Planning and the results of an Internet of Things (IoT) study conducted by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), he added.
According to him, the National Frequency Plan’s objectives include the introduction of more efficient technologies for users of the radio spectrum, meeting the requirements of the implemented national communications plan, and supporting the latest mobile and private communications technology advancements.
This will help attract investment to the ICT sector, supporting economic growth. The plan also takes into account unified frequencies allocated regionally and globally for Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR), which help local and international rescue and emergency teams communicate with each other, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
