The eGovernment Authority of Bahrain (eGA) has signed an agreement with Affno, a leading provider of e-Government solutions and Third Wave International, Affno’s regional partner, to manage and execute the mobile portal in the Kingdom.

The Mobile Portal will avail government services to the public via mobile phones. Some of the key eServices include electricity bill and traffic fine inquires, daily price index, airport flight and arrival information, school examination results, and complaint submissions to various Government organizations, said a top eGA official.

The agreement was signed by Mohammed Al Qaed, CEO of the eGA and Stefan Moraes, managing director of Third Wave International.

Al Qaed expressed his confidence in the partnership, commenting, “As one of the world’s leading providers of total eGovernment solutions, I am certain that Affno and Third Wave will complete the Mobile Portal according to the highest standards and quality possible.”

“Launching the Mobile Portal is a critical milestone for us as we work towards achieving our vision of ensuring the effective delivery of government services to Bahrain’s citizens, residents, businesses, and visitors,” he continued.

“The new channel will complement the eGovernment National Portal (www.bahrain.bh) and extend the reach of eServices to a much broader base of users, in accordance with the goals and objectives of the Bahrain Vision 2030.”

Through the Mobile Portal, anyone with a mobile phone – regardless of its make or model - will be able interact with the various Government entities and use their services using simple easy-to-use SMS interface.

Those with mobile phones equipped with an internet browser will be able to access a version of the eGovernment National Portal designed specifically for use in mobile devices.

The Mobile Portal will avail 10 basic government services upon its launch in June, and 50 by the end of the year.

According to Stefan Moraes, managing director of Third Wave International, 'We are pleased to partner with the eGovernment Authority in Bahrain as it embarks on the next phase of its plans.'

'We look forward to exceeding everyone’s expectations in delivering this project and continue our successful track record of providing cutting edge and high quality eGovernment solutions to countries all over the world,' he added.

Mobile Government is one of the four main channels – eGovernment National Portal, National Call Center, Common Service Centers, and Mobile Portal - through which Government services will be offered in order to provide comprehensive and convenient multi-channel access to government services to everyone.

Third Wave International recently launched operations in Bahrain after finding it to possess a lucrative investment environment in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector.

As stipulated by the Tender Board’s rules and regulations and conditions of the contract, Third Wave International will be employing Bahraini nationals, in line with the eGA’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment in the ICT sector and generate job opportunities for local talents.-TradeArabia News Service