Bahrain Consults on 3rd Mobile License Tender
Bahrain's telecoms regulator, the TRA has invited comments on the possibility of a 3rd mobile phone license for the Middle-East nation. The TRA is seeking from potential applicants for the 3rd license, opinions regarding the preferred spectrum band(s)to be assigned, opinions regarding the amount of spectrum required, and any additional measures such as infrastructure sharing, national roaming and an exclusivity period. which are considered to be essential for the entry of a 3rd MNO.
TRA's General Director Mr. Alan Horne, commented by saying: “TRA is charged with ensuring the telecommunications regulations not only enable consumers have real choice in service providers but that prices and quality meet international best practice. A Third mobile operator will, we believe, considerably assist us meet this objective and further support the growth in the economy and market in Bahrain”
He went on to say “This consultation will assist us to design the award process. TRA wishes to maximise the transparency of the process and therefore seeks views on the preferred licence award mechanism such as single stage process of either a beauty parade or an auction, or a sealed bid; or a multi- stage process including technical pre-qualification and auction or sealed bid. We are seeking speed to role out services, quality and innovation, not necessarily high bid prices”
TRA has indicated it anticipates awarding the licence by 31st December, 2008. In line with this commitment, it has set 4th December, 2008 as the target date for awarding the 3rd MNO licence.
The country's two current operators are Zain (formerly MTC Vodafone) and Batelco. Figures from the Mobile World show that the country ended 2007 with just over 1 million subscribers - which represents a population penetration level of 148% - if you ignore the large migrant and ex-pat population. Including them brings the population penetration level down to around the 98% mark.
Posted to the site on 7th April 2008
