TRA denies role in mobile plan changes

Manama : The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) yesterday clarified that the authority takes no role in devising new plans or packages introduced by the mobile operators in the Kingdom, following a deluge of complaints pertaining to the plans poured in at the authority’s call centre.  

“Any changes in the new mobile packages introduced” by the telecom providers in the Kingdom are not regulated by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), the authority said in a statement. 

The authority made clear that such decisions are taken by the providers themselves based on the market conditions and the competition among them based on the market dynamics and changes in user requirements.

Responding to the inquiries and complaints the authority received regarding the new mobile packages introduced by mobile operators, TRA said, “It has not issued any directions in this regard.”

The ‘ex ante’ regulation of retail services in Bahrain has been removed following TRA’s announcement of introducing a third mobile operator, according to TRA’s Determination on Significant Market Power Designation which was published in 2008.

“The mobile market in Bahrain has seen a significant development since the introduction of the third mobile operator and the removal of the ex ante regulation of mobile retail services,”said TRA’s Manager of Consumer Affairs, Mariam Almannai. 

She, however, confirmed that the authority is “continuously monitors the ongoing developments in the Kingdom’s telecommunications market and takes the necessary measures to protect the interests of subscribers to ensure continued fair and effective competition between telecommunications providers”.

Prices fallen by 73pc

Almannai, citing latest market indicators, said that telecoms service prices have fallen by 73 per cent between 2008 and 2016. 

Number of mobile subscriptions has doubled to 3 million subscriptions in the end of 2016, while mobile penetration has reached 213pc at the end of the same year.

“The indicators show how the decisions taken by TRA are effective in enhancing competition and meeting the needs of subscribers and users in this market,” she added.

Fourth National Telecommunications Plan

TRA, in implementing the objectives of the Fourth National Telecommunications Plan (NTP4), is in the process of conducting a comprehensive strategic study of the mobile market.

The study will help identify future developments, including technologies, market trends and business models. The study will also recommend a set of regulatory measures to ensure further strengthening of this vital and important sector in line with the objectives of the NTP4.

New regulations on way

TRA said it is in the process of issuing new regulations aimed at protecting the interests of subscribers in general and establishing standard procedures for resolving disputes relating to  telecommunications services emerging between subscribers and telecommunications providers.

TRA said it welcomes any comments and complaints from subscribers on any issue that would adversely affect their interests and competition between telecommunications providers on TRA‘s Consumer Call Center 81188 and consumer@tra.org.bh.