Batelco said its mobile customer base has increased to 4.3 million, with 767,000 active lines in Bahrain giving it the biggest market share in the Kingdom.

This continuous growth in the company’s customer base in Bahrain is a result of many initiatives, the telecom company in a statement.

These include being the first telecommunications company in the GCC to launch the new O-net Prepaid Mobile Broadband service along with O-net Mobile Broadband device, the smallest, sleekest, lightest and most technologically advanced mobile broadband USB modem in the world, it said.

The device delivers wireless broadband mobility with superior speeds of 7.2 Mpbs - the fastest available in the Kingdom.

It enables customers to browse the Internet, send and receive SMS, chat using existing instant messaging service and access business applications, all from the convenience of a laptop or PC, anywhere and anytime.

Batelco also launched the first 3.5G service in the Kingdom, which offers customers the option to conduct video conferencing from the comfort of their own mobile handset, the statement noted.

Batelco’s 3.5G ‘portfolio’ includes Mobile Broadband, Video Calling and Mobile Video Mail service which is a unique service that Batelco provides for its customers.

Batelco customers enjoy a mobile entertainment portal with a wide range of exciting content targeting all segments in Bahrain, the statement said.

Additionally, Batelco has roaming agreements with more than 400 mobile operators around the world.

Batelco customers have been reaping the benefits of Batelco World Freedom, the service that enables customers to receive calls and SMS Free of charge while roaming in 21 countries, since its launch in September 2008, said Mona Al Hashemi, general manager Consumer Division.

Furthermore, Batelco has a wide range of innovative Smart Mobile Business (SMB) solutions serving the needs of big business sector in Bahrain exclusively.

'Customers in Bahrain continue to use Batelco’s services despite the availability of other choices in the market. This utterly reflects the customers’ confidence in the reliability and diversity of services it offers that distinguish Batelco from competitors,' added Mona, who was recently promoted to the post.

She said Batelco had adopted a comprehensive strategy that puts customers’ loyalty and satisfaction as one of its key priorities.

'It includes providing different segments with state-of-the-art products and services, supported by excellent customer relations management.'

The company has the largest number of retail telecom outlets around the Kingdom providing one-stop-shopping centre for all telecoms needs, she pointed out.

Batelco won the first prize for the Best Customer care service in the Middle East in the second Annual Telecommunication Award Festival held in Dubai in November.

Batelco has also won two awards at the inaugural Samena Regional Awards 2008, which took place in conjunction with the 'Convergence to Jordan' summit meeting held in Jordan, in November.

“Batelco will continue offering diverse and innovative mobile services, as well as numerous rewarding promotions for its mobile customers”, she observed.

“We will continue our investments in the Kingdom’s 3.5G mobile infrastructure and services to ensure our customers continue to benefit from the most advanced mobile services available in the market and enhance their experience,” she added.

Batelco’s CEO Peter Kaliaropoulos said, 'We understand the importance of our leadership in the Bahraini mobile market, as it is the base from which we build up our strength to face challenges from Zain and STC whilst entering other geographies.'
 
“We appreciate our customers’ trust and loyalty. We will continue to deliver reliability, value, innovation a