US certifies two out of three Bahrain telecom operators “totally clean”

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Exclusive story by P Unnikrishnan

Bahrain is “in good shape” with regards to having a clean network, boosting the Kingdom’s status as a regional leader in the field, according to US Undersecretary for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Keith Krach.

“Bahrain has three major telecom companies; two of them are totally clean, and then there’s one that we want to talk to that we’re not quite sure where they stand,” he told The Daily Tribune in an exclusive interview. Kraft added that foreign investment is needed to help beef up the country’s trusted 5G network.

“In my discussions with the different ministries here in Bahrain, I talked about the importance of further US private sector investment and European countries’ investment in the Kingdom of Bahrain,” he said. “They want to make sure that it’s a trusted 5G network and it’s a clean country. This is a huge thing.”

Kraft praised Bahrain for being among the first countries in the region to already have established a clean network.

“I think Bahrain is in good shape,” he said. “Bahrain has always been a leader in this region and always a great strategic partner for the US and a great friend.

Bahrain could lead the way

“I think the clean network fits well in Bahrain’s vision of a vibrant, forward-looking Middle East—the Middle East of tomorrow should be built on a trusted 5G network. Bahrain could really lead the way.”

When asked if China is invading countries through technology, Kraft was unwavering in his response. “There is no doubt about it,” he claimed.