Bahrain has launched its fourth National Telecommunications Plan (NTP), which aims to develop the telecom infrastructure with high-speed fiber-optic network and ensure providing high speed services at affordable prices, a report said.

Approved by Bahrain’s HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the NTP outlines the guidelines of the telecommunications sector for the next three years, reported the Bahrain News Agency (BNA).

The plan asserts that the implementation of the government's strategy and policies in the telecommunications sector build on the successes of the sector in order to maintain and upgrade the kingdom's leading status in the sector, the report said.

The NTP based on eight main themes, which include developing the infrastructure of high-speed broadband services, consolidating sustainable competition in the field of mobile telecommunications and developing networks and systems to deliver the best services, managing the frequency spectrum effectively and developing the wireless infrastructure to ensure optimal use of the spectrum for the best interests of the sector and the kingdom.

The plan also aims to strengthen the security of networks and electronic communications services and raising the consumers' awareness, improve the international connectivity of telecom networks, improving and facilitating access to Internet applications and services, as well as enhancing the Bahrain’s status as a regional centre for ICT through improving its ranking in international telecommunications indicators and building the local capacities in this regard.

The plan also highlights reviewing and updating the current telecommunications law to keep pace with modern developments in the sector.

The Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry shall follow up on the implementation of the NTP with the relevant sides over the next three years, the BNA report added.