Batelco partners with Omantel to extend corporate VPN solutions (Bahrain)
Batelco, Bahrain’s leading integrated communications company is further demonstrating its position as a provider of cutting-edge services by launching MPLS IP VPN interconnectivity in partnership with Omantel, the number one service provider of advanced communication solutions in Oman.
Batelco’s General Manager Enterprise and Government Division Adel Daylami and Omantel Senior Manager Capacity & Submarine at Wholesale Business Unit Johannes Boersma signed the partnership agreement on the sidelines of the International Telecoms Week (ITW) held in Chicago, US, on May 14-16.
Building on existing agreements, this partnership will allow bi-lateral Data IP Services to be sold between Bahrain and Oman, as well as providing one-stop-shop transit services to Batelco’s and Omantel’s carrier partners, enabling both parties to extend corporate VPN solutions between their respective markets. This agreement will provide state-of-the-art, end-to-end MPLS VPN services to Bahrain and Oman-based businesses that wish to establish secure inter-office connectivity between both locations. Through this agreement, Batelco and Omantel will further strengthen its offering to carrier and corporate customers in all GCC countries, Middle East as well as anywhere around the globe.
Daylami said that this strategic bi-lateral understanding is an important addition to Batelco’s portfolio of OSS agreements, links for Batelco’s international customers and partners can now be extended to all GCC countries through Batelco’s Global IP VPN reliable, state of the art network.
He added that accordingly, this comes in line with Batelco’s International Carrier Relations (ICR) strategy via its presence in all GCC countries as well as other key destinations, through reliable MPLS, Ethernet and IPLC networks in order to expand the company’s IP Data Services reach to all major destinations.
This agreement complements Batelco’s range of global connectivity services such as Global IP-VPN, Global Ethernet, IPLC, Global Satellite services and a Global Datacenter that not only enhances efficiency by offering seamless, secure and dedicated interconnectivity but also the reliable support of a professional team working 24×7 in Batelco’s sophisticated NOC’s (Network Operation Centre’s).
Boersma said that Omantel provides a comprehensive range of managed services to companies and carriers, and this new agreement with Batelco enables Omantel to increase the depth of its MPLS VPN portfolio, adding additional regional capabilities. The company is proud to work with Batelco, which is a long-term partner of Omantel.
Batelco cancels plans to sell tower in Bahrain, Jordan (Bahrain)
Bahrain Telecommunications (Batelco) has cancelled plans to sell its transmitter towers in Bahrain and Jordan and will instead look to share infrastructure with rival operators, said chief exective, Sheikh Mohamed Al-Khalifa.
Reuters had revealed in December that Batelco was considering a sale and lease back deal for its towers in the two countries, with funds raised earmarked for future acquisitions. Al-Khalifa said that Batelco has decided not to proceed with any tower sale in Bahrain and Jordan as various sale and lease back proposals did not create sufficient, long-term economic value.
Batelco will instead look to share towers and other infrastructure with rival operators. Sheikh Mohamed added that as more towers, rooftops and indoor solutions will be required in the future, such co-operation between operators will increase.
Batelco announces network upgrade to improve customer experience (Bahrain)
Batelco, Bahrain’s leading telecommunications provider, will be carrying out modernisation work starting from May 7, as part of the Company’s ongoing strategy to enhance its networks and keep them on par with the highest international standards.
This upgrade work, which will deliver major enhancements to Batelco’s Voice and ISDN services, may cause some brief disruption to services including Voice, ISDN Primary and Basic service. However, measures have been taken to ensure minimal degradation to services while the upgrades take place. The upgrade work will take place in the early hours of the morning between 12am and 6am and is expected to affect each area for less than 10 minutes.
The modernization work is scheduled for the following dates and locations: -
On May 7th and 13th the areas which may be affected are:- Hawar, Jaw, Sakhir, Mahooz, Hamala, Umm Nasan, Borders of Island, Budaiya, Khamees, Saar, Sitra, Waddi, Isa Town, Ma’ameer, Ras Abu Jarjoor, A’Ali, North Isa Town, Awali, West Riffa, Dumistan, Jazaer, Nuzha, Rowdha, Sadad, Riffa, Maqsha, Lawzi, Sanad and BIC.
On May 19th and 23rd work will be carried out in:- Central Manama, Abu Mahir, Bahrain Financial Harbour, City Centre, Diplomatic Area, Hidd, Hoora, Juffair, Manama, Muharraq, Qudabiya, Ras Rumman, Seef, World Trade Centre, Hidd Industrial Area, Sh. Salman Port, Sanabis and Samaheej.
Batelco Group General Manager Media Relations Ahmed Al Janahi, said that they apologise for any inconvenience the upgrade work may cause and appreciate the understanding and cooperation of their customers.
Batelco appoints Marco Regnier as CFO (Bahrain)
Bahrain’s leading telecom operator, Batelco Group, has appointed Marco Regnier as group chief financial officer (CFO) with immediate effect. According to reports, group chief executive Shaikh Mohamed bin Isa Al Khalifa said that they are are pleased to welcome Marco to the Group. His experience internationally and with other regional telecommunications companies in our markets of operation will further strengthen Batelco Group’s management team.
He added that it also supports efforts, at this important time, for continued market leadership in Bahrain and the group’s drive for growth across the Middle East and North Africa markets and Asia. Further, he would also like to take this opportunity to express our collective gratitude to Kataryna Stapleton for her continued dedication and professionalism over the last five years with Batelco. He said that she has added considerable value to the group and its subsidiaries and they wish her the best in her future endeavours.
Prior to this Regnier was employed with Tunisie Telecom as CFO for three years.
Batelco Introduces SMS Translation Service (Bahrain)
Batelco, Bahrain’s leading telecommunications provider has introduced a new SMS service to translate text from English to Arabic instantly. The service, which is available for both prepaid and postpaid customers, provides instant translation of words or phrases by simply sending the chosen words by SMS to 92001.
Up until April 30th customers can try out the new SMS translate service free of charge. Following the promotional period, each SMS will be charge at a rate of 250 fils.
This service has been designed to enhance the current portfolio of services available for Batelco’s mobile customers, said Batelco Group General Manager Media Relations Ahmed Al Janahi.
He added that Batelco designs and develops convenient services for all segments of its customers to deliver products and services to meet their requirements and to ensure they benefit from the best value for their money.
Batelco aims to make an acquisition in 2012 (Bahrain)
Bahrain Telecommunications Co (Batelco), whose attempt to buy a stake in Zain Saudi failed last year, aims to make at least one acquisition in 2012 to offset falling domestic revenue, as reported by Reuters. As per the report, the former monopoly has reported declining profits in six of the past seven quarters, caused by stiffening competition from rival domestic mobile operators.
Mohamed Isa al-Khalifa, Batelco group chief executive said that the key is to increase scale. The report reveals that he said they are coming from a very small market and can only do so much in their own market. They want to grow their international operations and compensate for any potential loss in revenue in the home market.
Khalifa said Batelco’s target was to make at least one acquisition in 2012. He said that they are working on some, but he can’t promise anything.
In February, Batelco agreed to sell its 43 percent stake in Indian affiliate S Tel for $175m, a move which should free up some cash for a potential deal. The company teamed up with Kingdom Holding for a 25 percent stake purchase in Zain Saudi last year but the deal failed due to disagreements with the indebted Saudi telco’s banks.
As per the report, Khalifa added that they are focusing on the MENA region – they have built a cluster around Bahrain and would like to grow this cluster. He said that Batelco, with a market value of around $1.7bn, has cash and bank balances of $286m, according to its 2011 annual report, and the firm could leverage its balance sheet to $1bn or more for acquisitions.
Customers paying bills via e-channels can win prizes (Bahrain)
Batelco, Bahrain’s leading telecommunication services provider is delighted to announce that customers who use Batelco e-Channels to make bill payments, between April 1st and June 30th, will be entered into a raffle draw to win high value prizes.
Batelco has a number of easy to use e-payment channels to help its customers save time and pay their Batelco bills. Customers can log on to Batelco e-services on batelco.com or use the Company’s QuickServe machines which are available in strategic locations across the Kingdom to make their payments quickly and easily through a secure gateway using debit or credit cards.
During the promotional period, customers who use Batelco’s designated e-Channels to make bill payments on time will be entered into a raffle to win cash rewards and those who pay the highest bills will be entered to win a Sony Xperia S mobile phone. There are 12 prizes of BD50 and two Sony Xperia 2 devices to win each month.
Batelco Group General Manager Media Relations Ahmed Al Janahi said that Batelco places special emphasis on enhancing the lives of its customers through providing them with the most innovative and time-saving payment methods.
He said Batelco always strives to diversify its payment options as part of its ongoing efforts to deliver an unbeatable customer experience. They encourage their customers to pay their Batelco bills through the website or their QuickServe machines, which are available at strategic places across the country, to be in with a chance to win one of the great prizes.
He added that these innovative e-payment channels are designed to allow customers to pay their Batelco bills from the convenience of their offices or homes.
4G/LTE trial by Batelco and Huawei is successful (Bahrain, China)
Batelco, the Kingdom`s leading integrated communications services provider and Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, have successfully showcased LTE (Long Term Evolution) mobile technology at Batelco’s Hamala Headquarters on March 22nd. LTE, commonly referred to as 4G enables delivery of super fast data speeds. During the trial speeds of 150Mbps were achieved.
Batelco embarked on its US$ 38.4 million MNE (Mobile Network Expansion) project in June 2010, to develop a superior network performance for Batelco and ensure readiness for LTE. Such financial commitment ensures that Bahrain’s infrastructure for wireless is the best in class and measures up to the top 10 markets in the world. Delivery of LTE is a crucial enabler of the Business Friendly Bahrain strategy, established by the Economic Development Board, in line with the Kingdom’s 2030 vision.
Batelco Group Chief Executive Shaikh Mohamed Bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive Bahrain Rashid Abdulla, General Manager Consumer Division Muna Alhashimi, Chief Technical Officer John Ford and a number of Batelco officials were present at the LTE Trial along with Huawei Vice President of ME Gordon Wu and Huawei Deputy President of Batelco Key Account Elsa Tan plus a number of Huawei technical representatives.
Batelco Group Chief Executive Shaikh Mohamed Bin Isa Al Khalifa thanked Huawei for their invaluable contribution to Batelco in carrying out the successful LTE trial. He said that Huawei has been a key partner in providing Batelco with innovative telecommunications solutions over the past few years and they appreciate their invaluable contribution towards the successful delivery of key services for customers.
Batelco Bahrain Chief Executive Rashid Abdulla explained that Batelco`s major objective in investing in 4G/LTE was to enhance, upgrade and expand their mobile broadband network to tackle a number of needs such as providing or enhancing Data coverage and quality of service in newly developed or remote areas.
Huawei Vice President of Middle East Gordon Wu, said that collaborating with Batelco in structuring LTE services for the people of Bahrain has been a fantastic experience as well as an opportunity to further meet the demand for superior connectivity in the Kingdom. He added that high-speed broadband technologies like LTE are incredible platforms through which to foster national development, and they look forward to working with Batelco to build on this most recent achievement.
With the provision of 4G/LTE, Batelco mobile users will experience faster access to the internet. The networks will also be capable of handling the much greater throughput of data in real time that`s required to support such services as mobile HD video streaming and conferencing, web-based applications and services, and the rapid transfer of large files. 4G/LTE will have a download data transfer rate of up to 10 times faster than that of 3G.
4G/LTE will provide Batelco Mobile Users with significant benefits that extend beyond traditional day to day wireless communications. Consumers will benefit from access to a wide range of new and rich innovative multimedia applications. It also opens the doors for innovative applications, products, services and solutions targeted not only to today’s handheld mobile devices, but also to other non-traditional devices.
