Bahrain-based telecommunication firm 2Connect has appealed to the authorities to reconsider the decision to revoke its licences.

The Bahrain Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) yesterday issued an order revoking all licences held by the company. It gave no reason for such an action.

2Connect managing director Fahad Al Shirawi told journalists today that he had no indication of such an order coming from the TRA and it surprised him.

He said if it was due to security issues the company was willing to take all measures to address any concerns the authorities may have.

"We are committed to Bahrain and its security concerns are our concern too. If there is anything we can do to enhance this, we are willing to do so," he said.

"Bahrain is important to us and we implore the leadership to allow us to continue our services," he said.

The TRA resolution stated that 'all licences of 2Connect shall be revoked within one week of publication of the resolution in the official gazette, which coincides with March 27'.

'As a result of this revocation, all telecommunications services provided to 2Connect's customers will be permanently disconnected once the deadline stated in the resolution comes to pass, under article (24)(a) of the telecommunications law which prohibits the provision of telecommunications services without a licence,' said the statement from TRA director of information and communications technologies Ahmed Aldoseri.

The TRA's resolution also includes the revocation of all radio frequency licences assigned to 2Connect, he added.

2Connect employs about 60 people in its offices in Bahrain. - TradeArabia News Service