A public consultation has been launched by Bahrain’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) for a new approval regime for the importation and use of telecommunications equipment connected to public networks.

The proposed draft regulation defines the roles and responsibilities of TRA and any person or entity wishing to import telecommunications equipment (connected to public telecommunications networks) into Bahrain, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

The draft regulation proposes that international standards be the basis for TRA technical specifications, requirements and approval process, which would make the process more beneficial for consumers and licensed operators.

TRA's technical and operation director Mohammed Al Noiami said the proposed system aims to ensure that the imported equipment meets certain pre-requisites to ensure the safety of users, without harming public telecommunications networks or causing harmful radio interference.

The new regime is meant to be transparent, non-discriminatory and is based on international best practices, he said.

It will contribute to facilitating competition in the supply of equipment thereby benefiting consumers through increased choices and better technology.

The regulator has asked interested parties to submit their feedback by email to tareg@tra.org.bh no later than 4pm on April 30. - TradeArabia News Service