Roaming - operator concession in the Gulf

New roaming agreements with leading telecommunications companies in the Region to Benefit Batelco Customers

Batelco, Bahrain's leading mobile operator has announced that due to new regional agreements with some major operators in the GCC and Middle East, those Batelco customers will enjoy up to 50% discount while roaming in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan from 1st of May.

Agreements which are currently being finalised with major operators in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, will lead to discounts of up to 60% for customers from these countries while they roam with the Batelco network in Bahrain, in addition to the huge discounts for Batelco roaming customers.

'It is anticipated that operators from other locations in the region will sign agreements with Batelco, soon to deliver reduced roaming rates to their subscribers and Batelco's customers,' said Batelco CEO Peter Kaliaropoulos.

'As the discounts will be offered for both voice and data services it will be an excellent benefit to Batelco's Blackberry customers as they travel and exchange data with clients and colleagues while on the move'.

Currently Batelco has 374 commercial roaming agreements with operators all over the world providing a comprehensive service for its customers.

The Company introduced SMS roaming for prepaid customers during 2007 which means now all Batelco mobile customers can send SMS messages to their family and friends in Bahrain from any country.

Additionally, prepaid SimSim customers in Bahrain can receive calls from any other country and also make calls with 18 operators in major destinations.

Batelco supports the GSMA initiatives to deliver better roaming rates to customers across MENA markets.

'Commercial negotiations between operators will deliver significant value to customers without the need for unilateral and interventionist regulatory involvement which does not take into account the size of various markets,' concluded Mr. Kaliaropoulos.