Local media also reported that the number of phone subscribers reached 18,278,817 during the period. While prepaid-service subscribers amounted to 14,655,021, post-paid service mobile subscribers reached 3,623,796.

Reportedly, up to 3,016,318 people subscribed to internet services and around 2,345,578 subscribed to fixed-lines till August 2019.

Recently, Bahrain-based telecom operator Batelco entered into a partnership with du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), to launch 5G international roaming services in the UAE.

Now Batelco’s telecom customers will be able to access 5G by using du’s network in the UAE.

With regard to the partnership with UAE’s du, Batelco chief executive Mikkel Vinter told the media, “The partnership is testament to Batelco’s continuous efforts to provide its customers with solutions that enrich their experience. This agreement becomes one of our 1,560 roaming agreements with international telecommunication companies and we are proud to be the first operator in the Kingdom to provide this service using a 5G network outside of Bahrain.

“Furthermore, we strive to be the leaders in bringing the latest telecom and digital solutions to the Kingdom. Accordingly, we were the first to launch 5G commercially in Bahrain, and today, we are proud to be the first to launch 5G international roaming too.”

Last year, Swedish multinational networking and telecommunications company Ericsson predicted that 5G subscribers in the Middle East and African region will reach 60 million in the next five years.

According to Ericsson, a majority of these telecom subscribers will be from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

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The launch of the new brand is also a part of the STC’s push for digitalisation and to keep up with the rapid changes in the communication and information technology sector.

Nasser Sulaiman Al Nasser, chief executive officer at Saudi Telecom Company told the media, “STC’s new brand identity marks a new journey in digital services we are embarking on to enrich the lives of our customers and employees. The group is proud of its beginnings in Saudi Arabia and success in Kuwait and Bahrain, thanks to the
Saudis, Kuwaitis, and Bahrainis who represent the majority of STC’s employees.”

He added, “STC’s infrastructure makes it a leader in digital empowerment for the public and private sectors in Saudi Arabia, thus strengthening the Kingdom’s reputation in the Middle East and around the world.”

General Manager of Corporate Communications at Saudi Telecom Company, Mohamed Aba Al Kheil revealed that according to a study, 92 percent of STC’s clients recognize the company with this name. He stressed that the new brand is not just a logo, but a set of visual, audio and verbal communication tools and sensory expressions that translate an integrated experience about the company.

To celebrate the launch, STC announced new offers for its customers including free international roaming in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain, 10GB of data free and 100 free international call minutes in all three countries.

Recently, the Saudi Telecom Company also announced that it has selected IFS Service Management, a global enterprise applications company, to increase process efficiency, improve margins, and facilitate improved customer satisfaction.

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The new national broadband infrastructure company will create a fibre optic network to provide residents all over the country with high-speed internet access. Mohamed Bubashait will be the CEO of the new Infrastructure Company for National Broadband. Mikkel Vinter will be the chief executive of Batelco Bahrain, the entity running the retail and enterprise operations.

The Kingdom of Bahrain hopes to boost its digital economy and enhance its stature as a strategic investment destination as well as a regional hub for trade and information and communications technology, with the Batelco split.

Both the companies will remain under the control of Bahrain’s telecom major Batelco after the split. Batelco Chairman Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa confirmed the legal separation of the companies at a press conference led by Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Engineer Kamal Bin Ahmed Mohamed. Shaikh Abdulla also confirmed the restructuring of the executive management teams, separation of operations systems, and human resources.

The splitting of Batelco is in line with the Kingdom’s fourth national telecommunications plan (NTP4). It is also in line with the Bahrain government’s Economic Vision 2030.

“It is a priority for the board of directors to achieve the highest possible returns as well as enriching future returns, and ensuring the continuous and sustainable success of the company in the long run.

“We also want to confirm that the restructuring of the company, as part of the NTP4, is going to create new horizons for Batelco and opportunities to invest in digital technology and furthermore, create new and diverse revenue streams which is in line with the kingdom’s vision for the growth of the digital economy,” Shaikh Abdulla was reported as saying.

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