Page 53 - SAMENA Trends - July-August 2023

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Bahrain Tops GCC Countries with Most Affordable Fiber Broadband

The latest Arab Price Benchmarking Report confirms Bahrain’s the latest Arab benchmark report. Consumers in Bahrain benefit
position as one of the Arab regions most competitive from some of the lowest prices for the essential services required
telecommunications markets. The report highlights the country's to engage in the digital society. Everyone in Bahrain is using the
telecom services as being among the most competitively priced in internet and all of us can access ultra-fast broadband services.
both the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the wider We are pleased to see the collective efforts made by industry
Arab world. The report highlights notable reductions in residential players and the TRA, as evidenced by our ranking among the top 20
fixed broadband prices (18.6%) and in Mobile Broadband (16%) countries globally for both fiber rollout and fiber service adoption.
between 2021 and 2022, attributed to the TRA’s efforts in promoting Moreover, the TRA acknowledges the need for further action
competition within the broadband market. As a result, Bahrain to ensure Bahrain becomes one of the world's best-connected
ranks among the top 20 countries worldwide in fiber penetration, destinations, where all consumers can purchase the services, they
according to 2023 Fiber to The Home (FTTH) Broadband Global require at competitive prices.”
Ranking, published by FTTH Council Europe. Also, mobile prices
in Bahrain are the most affordable in the GCC, with a decrease of
up to 58.5% between 2021 and 2022. This significant drop can be
attributed to the introduction of new mobile packages offering
lower prices and enhanced benefits. The report also highlights
that Bahrain’s leased line prices are among the cheapest in
GCC, below the Arab average, and on par with The Organization
for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) average.
Bahrain’s telecommunications industry is rapidly growing, with a
7.6% growth in fiber broadband subscriptions and a 7% increase
in fixed broadband data usage between 2021 and 2022. The
Kingdom's commitment to providing high-speed internet services
is evidenced by the fact that 86% of all residential premises are now
able to buy fiber broadband. As of June 2023, 68% of households
have active fiber connections and 42% of households have
wireless home broadband (5G) which means that all households in
Bahrain have access to ultra- fast broadband services. The latest
residential survey highlights that 100% of people in Bahrain utilize
internet services, and 100% of households have access to ultra-fast
internet services. TRA’s General Director, Philip Marnick affirms:
“A competitive market ensures that consumers and businesses
obtain their desired services at reasonable prices. It is good to see
the recognition of our leading position and competitive prices in

Quality of Telecom Services at Dhofar, Here's What TRA Says

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has issued speed for data service covered by the 5G network in Sahel Atin
a report on the quality of telecommunication services in tourist by Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) was 263
sites in the Dhofar Governorate, which was conducted between Mbps, with an average of 95 Mbps. While the highest download
July 31 and August 3. These measurements included the Attin speed for the same service was covered by the Omani Qatari
Square, Ain Hamran, Dahariz Beach, Al-Haffa Market, Al-Mughsail, Telecommunications Company (Ooredoo) at 505 Mbps, with an
Wadi Darbat, Al-Haffa Walk and Sha'at. The highest download average of 311 Mbps. In Wadi Darbat, the highest download speed
for 5G data service by Omantel was 164 Mbps, with an average of
49 Mbps. The highest download speed covered by the Ooredoo was
1303 Mbps, with an average of 421 Mbps. The authority conducts
these surveys using specialized measurement tools and approved
methodologies that simulate the user’s experience, aiming to raise
the level of awareness of beneficiaries and enhance competition in
the sector. The most important indicators such as coverage level,
data download speed, percentage of successful calls, and other
indicators are measured.

53 JULY-AUGUST 2023