Mena Telecom and MTC-Vodafone win fixed wireless concessions

Bahrain’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has issued two National Fixed Wireless Services (NFWS) licences to domestic operators Mena Telecom and MTC-Vodafone Bahrain, which won a hotly contested auction. The pair’s concessions allow them to use the 3.5GHz frequency band to provide voice telephony, data transmission and broadband services. The provision of international calls and internet access is permitted subject to the purchase of additional relevant licences. The NFWS licences will be awarded by the TRA on 8 January 2007. Losing bidders shortlisted in the auction included domestic fixed line incumbent Batelco, Indian international carrier Reliance Communications, ATCO Clearwire Telecom and Etisalcom Wireless Co.