Bahrain is set to auction radio spectrum for next-generation networks, a report said, adding that it will comprise five lots of spectrum primarily for long-term evolution (LTE), or 4G networks.

The three existing mobile operators in the kingdom, however said yesterday (January 29) that any further competition may jeopardise their financial viability, according the report in our sister publication, the Gulf Daily News.

The winning bidders were expected to be announced in April.

In a consultation report on the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) website, the current operators – Batelco, Kuwaiti group Zain and Viva Bahrain, an affiliate of Saudi Telecom Company – said the auction should be restricted to them and WiMax operator Menatelecom, a subsidiary of Kuwait Finance House.

Besides the three mobile operators, 10 Internet providers also serve Bahrain. – TradeArabia News Service