Batelco has signed a major memorandum of understanding with Bahrain Communications Affairs Ministry  to build a national broadband network.

The agreement also includes providing the kingdom wider access to ultrafast broadband services using fibre, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

As per the deal, both parties will work jointly to explore the opportunity of utilising Batelco's current fibre network as a base for building the national broadband network, which is part of the National Telecommunications Plan adopted by the Cabinet and the ministry, stated
Minister of State for Communications Affairs Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa after signing the deal with Batelco chairman Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Fawaz thanked Batelco for its constant readiness to put its capabilities and professional expertise for the benefit of the country and its people.

"We will work with Batelco officials to explore how we can benefit from their experience in designing and implementing networks. This network will enhance broadband services in the kingdom significantly due to the advanced technologies to be used in implementing it," said Shaikh Fawaz.

Shaikh Hamad said the company is delighted to sign the MoU with the ministry, which highlights the ongoing co-operation between Batelco and the state's ministries in order to deliver state-of-the-art services to residents.

"This deal will open up new horizons, when it comes to quality and speed of broadband service in the kingdom. Broadband is playing a pivotal role in many transactions finalised by organisations and individuals and is increasingly attracting the youths, in particular," he added.-TradeArabia News Service