BATELCO is slashing Internet charges for business customers by up to 50 per cent, it was revealed yesterday. The new tariffs, aimed to accelerate Bahrain’s e-competitiveness, are expected to come into force within a month, subject to Telecommunications Regulatory Authoritys (TRA) approval, said Batelco chief executive Peter Kaliaropoulos.
“Batelco is confident that the TRA, following careful consideration of our submission, will approve the tariffs that we have proposed, without conditions,” he told a Press conference at the company’s headquarters in Hamala.
“Businesses, ministries, educational institutions and charities will receive a significant benefit through 50pc lower Internet tariffs.
“Customers will benefit, competition will be stimulated and Bahrain’s economy and competitiveness will also ultimately improve.”
Batelco is ensuring that Bahrain accelerates its efforts to create a knowledge-based, information-technology driven e-commerce society, unrivalled in the region, by introducing new broadband services and significantly lower prices, said Mr Kaliaropoulos.
“Information and communication technology (ICT) and e-services can complement the kingdom’s financial sector in accelerating Bahrain’s future economic growth,” he noted.
“To enable businesses and ministries to embrace the advantages of electronically delivered services, the availability and cost of high speed broadband connectivity is crucial.
“Batelco has, therefore, introduced new managed data services and reduced its prices for business broadband by 50pc.”
This will create the most competitive rates for high speed dedicated Internet access across the GCC, said Mr Kaliaropoulos.
“Online delivery of services and information by ministries and businesses, not only creates a sustainable, knowledge-driven economy but also creates high value jobs and encourages innovation in creating and delivering content via portals and fixed and wireless devices,” he said.
“Fixed and wireless broadband technologies introduced by Batelco and now, extremely competitive Internet access services, are crucial components for regional leadership in e-services.”
Batelco understands the needs of its customers for faster, cheaper and reliable broadband services, said Batelco director business marketing & international operations Adel Daylami.
“We are offering new and upgraded deals for business customers under the theme Business Benefits with tariff reductions, new services and better service,” he noted.
To ensure business and educational establishments benefit from the most competitive prices in the region, Batelco has reduced the rates of its Inet Dedicated Access Service (IDAS) by up to 50pc.
Batelco is also keeping the needs of small businesses in mind with a competitively priced Broadband Business package, which provides Internet access for single-users.
Rental for this package will be reduced from BD40 to only BD20 per month.
Mr Kaliaropoulos said Batelco had submitted revised tariffs with the TRA .
Batelco has invested BD40 million over the past two years to strengthen its broadband infrastructure, he said.
This includes BD20m towards the new generation network, BD15m towards strengthening the international cable capacity, BD3m for the new data centre and BD2m towards the Internet platform.
Currently, there are 50,000 broadband residential customers, and 4,500 business customers.
Since the introduction of a BD10 monthly Internet service package for residential customers in October last year, there has been a substantial increase in the number of people using the Internet in the country. “We expect 20pc of the market share to go to other companies entering the market,” said Mr Kaliaropoulos.
Mr Kaliaropoulos said Batelco was close to reaching an agreement with the TRA on charges for new licensees accessing its network.
GDN - 12 June, ‘07
Al-Waqt - 12 June, ‘07
Mahmood’s opinion: Batelco feeling the heat!