Page 12 - SAMENA Trends - January 2020

FEATURED SAMENA TRENDS

based competition is critical for setting a TRA enabled temporary TRA enabled temporary access to MNOs to
sustainable environment, which should be 5G prime spectrum back in April 2019. We
conducive to operators’ ability to invest, access to MNOs to 5G secured a total of 300 MHz in the C-band
deploy new technologies and innovative prime spectrum back in (100 MHz for each MNO) and currently
digital services, and whereby long-run April 2019. We secured we’re working on allocating the 300 MHz
business models can be adopted and are for 5G deployment on a permanent basis
made to thrive. a total of 300 MHz in by setting the adequate fees that will
the C-band (100 MHz both enable the MNOs to invest in the 5G
Q. As the Acting General Director, how networks as well as generate revenues for
do you view the onslaught of 5G and IoT for each MNO) and the government.
in Bahrain in terms of opportunities and currently we’re working
challenges? During the separation consultation
on allocating the 300 process, we received requirements from
A. 5G in combination with the Internet of MHz for 5G deployment operators to facilitate dark-fiber services
Things will bring countless opportunities on a permanent basis by to meet their needs for fronthaul to address
that will require buy-in from investors the demand of 5G and Centralized Radio
beyond the Telecoms and ICT sector, setting the adequate fees Access Networks. Technically, Fronthaul
as the applications of these new that will both enable the is the link between a mobile baseband unit
technologies significantly impact every and a remote radio head. The Authority
sector imaginable. We have received new MNOs to invest in the considers that this service is necessary
licensee requests from IoT companies and 5G networks as well as in order to allow MNOs to develop the
there seems to be an increased interest in architecture of their networks and to
investment from IoT centric businesses. generate revenues for the provide advanced mobile services. The
NBN lowers the barriers to entry government. Fiber Fronthauling Service (FFS) reflects
significantly, making Bahrain a unique the Fronthaul Access Service which is
destination for prospective investors and mandated by the TRA to Bnet as part of its
we expect that this would result in bringing A. TRA awarded 800 MHz and 2600 MHz Reference Offer.
more international businesses to Bahrain. frequency bands on July 2019. An award
such as this has contributed towards Such approaches in sector-wide
Q. In your opinion, what new approaches enabling enhanced services and better facilitation, which may be deemed
within the industry can better guarantee coverage. Through this additional spectrum necessary today in the wake of 5G for
investment sustainability and improved (200 MHz), Mobile Network Operators ensuring sound collaboration among
collaboration between Operators and (MNOs) are now able to utilize the carrier operators and regulators, are central to
Regulators in the wake of 5G and intelligent aggregation techniques that can boost the TRA Bahrain’s mission and long-term ICT
“meaningful” connectivity? download speeds by twofold or threefold. development objectives.

12 JANUARY 2020