TRA revokes VSAT licences of three

In a major move, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority’s (TRA) has revoked the VSAT licenses of three major companies and the telecommunication license to another company in Bahrain. The move was made citing the subjects’ non-compliance to the TRA’s directives.

According to a statement issued by the TRA, the move was made following the absence of response from the respective companies to the TRA’s notice. The statement read, “further to the TRA’s notice published on August 27 in the Official Gazette and on TRA website, asking for comments on the proposed voluntary revocation of the Individual Very Small Aperture Terminal License (VSAT License)” awarded to the Bahrain Petroleum Company B.S.C Closed (BAPCO), Bahrain Training Institute, and Gulf International Bank B.S.C (GIB).

Accordingly, pursuant to Article 31 of the Telecommunications Law, the VSAT Licenses are revoked with effect from October 15, it stated.

TRA also revoked the telecommunication licenses granted to Star Gate Telecommunication W.L.L (Star Gate). “As such, Star Gate is not licensed to provide telecommunication services in the Kingdom of Bahrain,” it added.