Batelco has officially launched National Broadband Network (BNET), the group’s new independent wholesale unit resulting from the company’s legal separation and restructuring into two separate entities focused on retail and wholesale operations, completed in May 2019. In line with the requirements of Bahrain’s Fourth National Telecommunications Plan (NTP4) agreed in 2014, BNET will provide fibre broadband network services to all licensed operators including Batelco, whereas Batelco will focus solely on retail and corporate operations. NTP4 notably aims to provide internet access speeds of at least 100Mbps for up to 95% of homes in Bahrain and 1Gbps for all government and business entities.
Speaking at a press event to announce the launch, Batelco chairman Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa commented: ‘The restructure of Batelco is now complete with independent management teams and human resources in place. BNET’s teams are now working on the implementation of its strategic plans which focus on the development of the fibre-optic network across Bahrain and the provision of high-speed internet services for OLO’s on a fair and competitive basis.’