Faster & cheaper Internet on way

Batelco has signed a multi-million dollar deal with the Middle East's first privately owned fibre optic cable operator Gulf Bridge International (GBI) to introduce a new source of international bandwidth.

The new international gateway, set to be launched on August 1, will mean better quality Internet services and ensure the country has sufficient connectivity to address the rapid growth in Internet use.

"This deal will provide Bahrain with a new international gateway to the world in addition to the existing infrastructure," said chief executive of Batelco's Bahrain operations Rashid Abdulla.

"With a design capacity of up to 10 terabits per second, the GBI cable system has the capability to meet the rapid growth in demand for traffic originating and terminating in the Gulf," he added.

Mr Abdulla said the deal would ensure telecom operators and other communications companies, both in the region and globally, benefit from greater choice, value, diversity and resilience.

"This will also mean more stable Internet and data communications services to the Bahraini end user because it will lessen dependency on the current cables and provide alternatives," he told the GDN.

"The new system will also enhance Batelco's networks and capabilities."

Mr Abdulla said Batelco previously invested in several international cable systems as well as terrestrial connectivity in addition to a satellite earth station to provide international voice, data and Internet services across the country.

"Our investment is high but very competitive when compared to investments in other cable operations in the region," he said.

"In line with our ongoing strategy, we continue to invest in new and enhanced infrastructure and innovative technology to ensure Bahrain remains the most desirable information technology and communications hub across the region."

Mr Abdulla said such investments would also result in increased usage.

"With the increase in usage, we shall ultimately have a reduction impact on Internet prices for end users," he pledged.

However, Mr Abdulla said Batelco prices at retail levels were regulated by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), which had to approve any proposal to lower them.

He said the investment is part of Batelco's aspirations to provide higher Internet access speeds to the end users at affordable rates.

The official said Batelco entered into the deal to provide Bahrain with better connectivity to the rest of the world and ensure that sufficient capacity was available to cater to the future growth of data connectivity, in line with the country's Economic Vision 2030.

Mr Abdulla added other operators would be allowed to use the service through the Batelco wholesale department, just as they have access to the comprehensive range of services at rates approved by the TRA.

GBI earlier said Batelco was the landing partner in Bahrain for the new cable system, which utilises the latest fibre optic cable technology to connect the Gulf countries via a core ring and provide onward connectivity to Europe and Asia.