Bahrain - consumer view

Consumer group hails reforms

The Telecommunications Consumer Advisory Group welcomed the proposed regulatory measures especially the award of third mobile operator and the provision of number portability for fixed and mobile services.

The group met for the third time this month. The meeting was chaired by Shaikha Haya bint Rashid Al Khalifa.

Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) general director Alan Horne presented in detail the results of the Strategic and Retail Market Review.

The group intends to submit a detailed response on the results of the Strategic and Retail Market Review.

Shaikha Haya gave an overview of the group's role in supporting TRA to create more consumer awareness among the public.

The group also formed the sub-group to initiate a plan to develop consumer guidelines, and to develop a comparative table of services and prices currently offered by the operators.

"It is noticeable that liberalising the telecommunications market is fruitful and beneficial to consumers in Bahrain, especially the reduction in international calls charges," said group vice-chairperson Dr Hassan Fakhroo.

"However, local calls from mobile and fixed line need a review, and the group will work to provide suggestions and feedback to the TRA aiming to provide solutions for better prices of local calls and any other issues of concern to consumers," he said.