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2007 Annual Report


	Press Releases \| Announcements

	Non-opposition of a transaction under Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation, TRA case reference no. 2/08 – Etisalcom Bahrain W.L.L. (change of ownership)
	On 5 June 2008, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority decided not to oppose the abovementioned transaction and to declare it compatible with the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation. To view the decision click here
	Notice on Revocation of Swiftel International Company W.L.L.'s Licenses
	On 5 June 2008, TRA issued a notice of revocation of Swiftel International Company W.L.L’s ISL and VAS licenses, to view the notice click here
	Non-opposition of a transaction under Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation
	TRA case reference no. 1/08 – Bahrain Broadband Company W.L.L - Re-Distribution of Shares amongst the Existing Shareholders (Mahmood Mahmood Hussain and Shawqi Mahmood Mahmood Hussain) and Kleos Offshore s.a.l (New Shareholder). to view the announcement click here
	Prior notification of a transaction under the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation, TRA Case Reference No. 02/08 – Etisalcom Bahrain W.L.L. (change of ownership)
	On 21 May 2008, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) issued a Prior notification of a transaction under the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation. To view the notification click here.
	TRA Extends the Deadline for Submitting the Technical and Financial Proposals to set-up and operate the Telecommunications Technical Office.
	On 18 May 2008, The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has decided to extend the deadline for the interested parties to submit their Technical and Financial Proposals to set-up and operate the Telecommunications Technical Office. The submission deadline has been extended until 1st June 2008 from originally 22nd May 2008 as TRA received several requests from interested firms with this regard to enable a careful and comprehensive study of the subject. TRA hopes that this extension will assist in encouraging a wider interest in setting-up and operating the Telecommunications Technical Office for further competition in the telecommunication sector. To view the Tender Document click here.
	Prior notification of a transaction under the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation, TRA Case Reference No. 01/08 – Bahrain Broadband Company W.L.L - Re-Distribution of Shares amongst the Existing Shareholders (Mahmood Mahmood Hussain and Shawqi Mahmood Mahmood Hussain) and Kleos Offshore s.a.l (New Shareholder)
	On 18 May 2008, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) issued a Prior notification of a transaction under the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation. To view the notification click here.
	Notice of Revocation of Swiftel International Company Bahrain W.L.L.’s ISL and VAS licenses
	To view the announcement click here.
	TRA Concludes the Evaluation of the Proposals for Number Portability Consultancy Project
	On 24 April 2008, TRA has announced that it has concluded the evaluation of the proposals submitted for Number Portability Consultancy Project, and consequently selected a winning consultancy firm. The evaluation committee of five members evaluated all bids based on previously published technical & financial criteria, followed by an averaging process of all awarded marks. Work on the Number Portability Project is expected to commence by mid May 2008.
	Security Advise to licensed operators
	On 13 February 2008, TRA published a security advise to licensed operators, to view the document clik here.
	Non-opposition of a transaction under Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation, TRA Case Reference No. 05/07 – IMC Telecom W.L.L - IMC Telecom Inc. transfer of shares to R. Debbane/ M. Kaddoura/ N. Saikali/ P. Jabre/ A. Kettanah
	On 27 December 2007, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority decided not to oppose the abovementioned transaction and to declare it compatible with the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation. To view the decision click here.
	Prior notification of a transaction under the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation, TRA Case Reference No. 05/07 – IMC Telecom W.L.L - IMC Telecom Inc. transfer of shares to R. Debbane/ M. Kaddoura/ N. Saikali/ P. Jabre/ A. Kettanah
	On 11 December 2007, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) issued a Prior notification of a transaction under the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation. To view the notification click here. To view the correction document click here.
	Independent Report Calls for Measures to Improve Competition in the Internet Market
	Click here.
	TRA’s Statement on Local Loop Unbundling
	Click here.
	Revocation of Hello Bahrain W.L.L’s value added services license issued by TRA
	On 2 July 2007, TRA issued a public notice regarding the revocation of Hello Bahrain W.L.L’s Value Added Services, to view the notice click here.
	Revocation of Hello Bahrain W.L.L’s Value added services license issued by the TRA
	On 12 June 2007, TRA issued a public notice regarding the proposed revocation of Hello Bahrain W.L.L’s Value Added Services, to view the notice click here.
	Non-opposition of a transaction under Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation, TRA case reference no. 04/07 – Kalaam Telecom Bahrain B.S.C.(c)
	On 10 May 2007, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority decided not to oppose the abovementioned transaction and to declare it compatible with the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation. To view the decision click here.
	Public Notice regarding Tasameem Est for Information Technology
	On 6 May 2007, The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) notifies that Tasameem has informed TRA about its new Address, to view the notice click here.
	TRA Proposed the Revocation of Hello Bahrain W.L.L.’s Value Added Services (“VAS”) License
	On 6 May 2007, The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) announces the revocation of Hello Bahrain W.L.L.’s Value Added Services (“VAS”) License, to view the announcement click here.
	Prior notification of a transaction under the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation, TRA case reference no. 04/07 – Kalaam Telecom Bahrain B.S.C.(c)
	On 17 April 2007, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) issued a Prior notification of a transaction under the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation. To view the notification click here.
	Notice of commencement of procedure of revocation of ISP License granted to Tasameem
	On 19 March 2007, The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) issued a Notice of commencement of procedure of revocation of ISP License granted to Tasameem. To view the Notice click here.
	Non-opposition of a transaction under Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation, TRA case reference no. 03/07 – F. Bader/M. Alzeera/Star Gate Telecommunication
	On 15 March 2007, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority decided not to oppose the abovementioned transaction and to declare it compatible with the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation. To view the decision click here.
	Non-opposition of a transaction under Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation, TRA case reference no. 02/07 – Jordan Telecom Group/ Lightspeed Communications.
	On 27 February 2007, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority decided not to oppose the abovementioned transaction and to declare it compatible with the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation. To view the decision click here.

	Prior notification of a transaction under the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation, TRA case reference no. 03/07 – F. Bader/M. Alzeera/Star Gate Telecommunication.
	On 22 February 2007, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) issued a Prior notification of a transaction under the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation. To view the notification click here. here.

	Non-opposition of a transaction under Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation, TRA case reference no. 01/07 – Cable and Wireless PLC / Hawar Holding Company.
	On 21 February 2007, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority decided not to oppose the abovementioned transaction and to declare it compatible with the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation. To view the decision click here.

	TRA plans to conduct its first Strategic and Retail Market Review for the Telecommunications Sector
	On 13 February 2006, The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) announced that it is to begin a strategic review of telecommunications in the Kingdom of Bahrain. To view the Announcement click here. To view the related press release click here.

	Prior notification of a transaction under the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation, TRA case reference no. 02/07 – Jordan Telecom Group/Lightspeed Communications
	On 8 February 2007, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) issued a Prior notification of a transaction under the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation. To view the notification click here

	Notice on Reference Interconnection Offer
	On 7 February 2007, Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) issued a Notice on the approved charges in the Reference Interconnection Offer dated November 2006, to view the notice click here.

	Prior notification of a transaction under the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation, TRA case reference no. 01/07 – Cable and Wireless PLC /Hawar Holding Company.
	On 31 January 2007, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) issued a Prior notification of a transaction under the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation. To view the notification click here

	Non-opposition of a transaction under Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation, TRA case reference No. 03/06 – Nooraddin/ Etisalcom Bahrain W.L.L./ Etisalcom Holding W.L.L .
	On 18 January 2007, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority decided not to oppose the abovementioned transaction and to declare it compatible with the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation. To view the decision click here.

	Prior notification of a transaction under the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation, TRA case reference No. 03/06 – Nooraddin/ Etisalcom Bahrain W.L.L./ Etisalcom Holding W.L.L.
	On 19 December 2006, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) issued a Prior notification of a transaction under the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation. To view the notification click here.

	Announcement
	On 6 August 2006 The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) received an order from the High Civil Court of the Kingdom of Bahrain requesting that the TRA temporarily suspend a part of Order 1 of 2006 issued by the TRA to Batelco until a final decision is reached by the court on the case. To view the announcement click here.

	The TRA extends the deadline for the consultation on the possibility of additional mobile licenses
	On 19 July 2006, The TRA has decided to extend the deadline for responses to its consultation on ‘The possibility of additional mobile licenses in the Kingdom of Bahrain’ to 31st August 2006 from 3rd August 2006. The TRA has received representations that a longer period of time should be allowed for the consideration of the important and complex issues involved. The TRA hopes that this extension will assist in encouraging a wide interest in the possibility of further competition in this sector.

	Announcement by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
	On 14 June 2006, the General Director of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has confirmed that he has submitted his resignation to the Board of Directors of the TRA. Click here to view the related announcement.

	Non-opposition of a transaction under the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation – Nooraddin/ Etisalcom Bahrain W.L.L./ Janahi Brothers
	On 8 May 2006, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority decided not to oppose the abovementioned transaction and to declare it compatible with the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation. To view the decision click here.

	Revocation of Star Call W.L.L.'s Value Added Services Licenses issued by the TRA
	Further to the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority’s (“TRA”) notices issued on its website on 5 April 2006 and published in the local press in Arabic and English on 12 April 2006 (Akhbar Al-Khaleej and Bahrain Tribune) and the appropriate notice having been served to the company concerned the TRA announces that with effect from 4 May 2006 Star Call W.L.L.’s Value Added Services (“VAS”) License is revoked. As a result with effect from 4 May 2006 Star Call W.L.L. may no longer offer telecommunications Value Added Services

	Nooraddin/ Etisalcom Bahrain W.L.L./ Janahi Brothers: Notification of a transaction under the Telecommunication Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation
	On 17 April 2006, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) issued a Prior notification of a transaction under the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation. To view the notification click here

	Announcement of Commencement of Allocation for Type B Short Codes Specifically Carrier Pre-Select Codes
	On 26 February 2006, the TRA has announced the allocation of Type B Short Codes. To view the announcement click here or visit the Numbering section for further details.

	Non-opposition of a transaction under the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation TRA case reference no. 1/06 – Khayami Plastic Factory W.L.L./ Mobile Information Services W.L.L.
	On 22 January 2006, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority decided not to oppose the abovementioned transaction and to declare it compatible with the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation. This decision is reached pursuant to Article 3.2(b) of the Regulation. The full text of the decision will be made public on the TRA website and published in the Official Gazette, as soon as practicable after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain.To view the decision click here

	Non-opposition of a transaction under the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation TRA case reference no. 2/05 – Viacloud Partners 2 Limited B.V.L./ Viacloud W.L.L.
	On 18 January 2006, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority decided that the notified transaction does not constitute a qualifying transaction within the meaning of Article 1 of the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation (the “Regulation”), and therefore does not fall within the scope of the Regulation. This decision is reached pursuant to Article 3.2(a) of the Regulation. The full text of the decision will be made public on the TRA website and published in the Official Gazette, as soon as practicable after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. Click here to view the decision.

	Decision to Initiate a Phase 2 Investigation under the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation
	On January 4, 2005 the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority initiates a Phase 2 Investigation under the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation regarding TRA Case Reference No. 1/05 – Batelco/ANIS. For more details click here.

	Notification of a transaction under the Telecommunication Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation
	On January 4, 2006, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) issued a Prior notification of a transaction under the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation. To view the notification click here.

	MTC Accounting Procedure Manual in compliance with the requirements of the Accounting Separation Regulation
	On 28 December 2005 the TRA announced that having reviewed MTC-VB's Accounting Procedures Manual as amended, this now complies with the requirements of the Accounting Separation Regulation of 2 August 2004 and the Determination of 5 February 2005.

	Viacloud Partners 2 Limited B.V.L./ Viacloud W.L.L.: Notification of a transaction under the Telecommunication Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation
	On 20 December 2005, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) issued a Prior notification of a transaction under the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation. To view the notification click here.

	Batelco Accounting Procedure Manual in compliance with the requirements of the Accounting Separation Regulation
	The TRA announces that having reviewed Batelco's Accounting Procedures Manual as amended, this now complies with the requirements of the Accounting Separation Regulation of 2 August 2004 and the Determination of 5 February 2005.

	Notification requirements for telecommunications companies
	The TRA would like to remind all holders of licenses that they are required to notify and/or get TRA approval of any changes to their shareholdings and/or changes of control. The Telecommunications Law and the Mergers & Acquisitions Regulation require, among other, the following:
		(a) Under section 29(g) of the Telecommunications Law, “Any Person that directly or indirectly acquires five percent or more of the equity of an Individual Licensee shall notify the Authority of such matter within seven days as of the date of his/its acquiring of such share” b) Under the Telecommunications Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation 2004, telecommunications companies are required to notify the TRA of all changes of control (on a lasting basis), prior to their implementation; these changes are conditional on clearance by the TRA. In particular, Article 5.1 provides: “A qualifying Transaction shall not be implemented… before its notification to the TRA and until either it has been declared compatible with this Regulation pursuant to a decision … or the TRA fails to issue a decision pursuant to the timetable… in which case the Qualifying Transaction shall be deemed to be approved.”
	Anybody holding a license issued by the TRA should therefore be aware of the requirement to notify the TRA of, among other:
		Acquisitions of 5% or more of the equity of an individual licensee and/or. Any and all changes of control on a lasting basis, in accordance with the notification requirements in the Mergers and Acquisitions Regulation.
	In addition, any person acquiring 5% or more of the equity of an individual licensee, irrespective of whether s/he is a licensee, is required by law to notify the TRA of such acquisition. Please note that failure to notify the TRA, where required, may lead to the imposition of penalties and/or fines. Licensees are asked to ensure that their relevant departments and shareholders or prospective shareholders are aware of these requirements.

	The TRA Grants dispensation to BT Solutions Ltd pursuant to the Accounting Separation regulation
	On September 25, 2005, the TRA granted to BT Solutions Ltd a dispensation pursuant to section 9.1 of the Regulation from the requirement to prepare FAC and LRAIC Regulatory Accounts. Under this dispensation, BT is permitted to prepare Regulatory Accounts in accordance with the Regulation for all of its licensed activities in aggregate. Such dispensation granted to BT shall apply until 31 December 2006 unless a further extension is granted in accordance with the Regulation.

	Clarification concerning Batelco Reference Interconnection Offer
	On August 29, 2005, The TRA has issued clarification concerning its approval of Batelco’s Reference Interconnection Offer (RIO) dated 15th August 2005, which approval is effect as of 29th August 2005. English , Arabic

	The TRA grants Kasiopia NetCom-KNC, W.L.L a Dispensation pursuant to the Accounting Separation regulation
	On August 23, 2005 the TRA grants to Kasiopia NetCom-KNC, W.L.L a dispensation pursuant to section 9.1 of the Regulation from the requirement to prepare FAC and LRAIC Regulatory Accounts. Under this dispensation, Kasiopia NetCom-KNC, W.L.L is permitted to prepare Regulatory Accounts in accordance with the Regulation for all of its licensed activities in aggregate. Such dispensation granted to Kasiopia NetCom-KNC, W.L.L shall apply until 31 December 2006 unless a further extension is granted in accordance with the Regulation.

	The TRA grants Etisalcom Bahrain W.L.L a Dispensation pursuant to the Accounting Separation regulation
	OOn August 23, 2005, the TRA grants to Etisalcom Bahrain W.L.L a dispensation pursuant to section 9.1 of the Regulation from the requirement to prepare FAC and LRAIC Regulatory Accounts. Under this dispensation, Etisalcom Bahrain W.L.L is permitted to prepare Regulatory Accounts in accordance with the Regulation for all of its licensed activities in aggregate. Such dispensation granted to Etisalcom Bahrain W.L.L shall apply until 31 December 2006 unless a further extension is granted in accordance with the Regulation.

	The TRA grants Viacloud a Dispensation pursuant to the Accounting Separation regulation
	On August 16, 2005, the TRA grants to Viacloud a dispensation pursuant to section 9.1 of the Regulation from the requirement to prepare FAC and LRAIC Regulatory Accounts. Under this dispensation, Viacloud is permitted to prepare Regulatory Accounts in accordance with the Regulation for all of its licensed activities in aggregate. Such dispensation granted to Viacloud shall apply until 31 December 2006 unless a further extension is granted in accordance with the Regulation.

	The TRA grants Fakhroo Technical Maintenance a Dispensation pursuant to the Accounting Separation regulation
	On August 16, 2005, the TRA grants to Fakhroo Technical Maintenance a dispensation pursuant to section 9.1 of the Regulation from the requirement to prepare FAC and LRAIC Regulatory Accounts. Under this dispensation, Fakhroo Technical Maintenance is permitted to prepare Regulatory Accounts in accordance with the Regulation for all of its licensed activities in aggregate. Such dispensation granted to Fakhroo Technical Maintenance shall apply until 31 December 2006 unless a further extension is granted in accordance with the Regulation.

	The TRA grants SITA a Dispensation pursuant to the Accounting Separation regulation
	On August 16, 2005, the TRA grants to SITA a dispensation pursuant to section 9.1 of the Regulation from the requirement to prepare FAC and LRAIC Regulatory Accounts. Under this dispensation, SITA is permitted to prepare Regulatory Accounts in accordance with the Regulation for all of its licensed activities in aggregate. Such dispensation granted to SITA shall apply until 31 December 2006 unless a further extension is granted in accordance with the Regulation.

	The TRA grants Light Speed Communication a Dispensation pursuant to the Accounting Separation regulation
	On August 16, 2005, the TRA grants to Light Speed Communications a dispensation pursuant to section 9.1 of the Regulation from the requirement to prepare FAC and LRAIC Regulatory Accounts. Under this dispensation, Light Speed Communications is permitted to prepare Regulatory Accounts in accordance with the Regulation for all of its licensed activities in aggregate. Such dispensation granted to Light Speed Communications shall apply until 31 December 2006 unless a further extension is granted in accordance with the Regulation.

	The TRA grants North Star Technologies a Dispensation pursuant to the Accounting Separation regulation
	On 16 August 2005, the TRA grants to North Star Technologies a dispensation pursuant to section 9.1 of the Regulation from the requirement to prepare FAC and LRAIC Regulatory Accounts. Under this dispensation, North Star Technologies is permitted to prepare Regulatory Accounts in accordance with the Regulation for all of its licensed activities in aggregate. Such dispensation granted to North Star Technologies shall apply until 31 December 2006 unless a further extension is granted in accordance with the Regulation.

	The TRA grants Kalaam Telecom Bahrain B.S.C a Dispensation pursuant to the Accounting Separation regulation
	On 16 August 2005 the TRA grants to Kalaam Telecom Bahrain B.S.C a dispensation pursuant to section 9.1 of the Regulation from the requirement to prepare FAC and LRAIC Regulatory Accounts. Under this dispensation, Kalaam Telecom Bahrain B.S.C is permitted to prepare Regulatory Accounts in accordance with the Regulation for all of its licensed activities in aggregate. Such dispensation granted to Kalaam Telecom Bahrain B.S.C shall apply until 31 December 2006 unless a further extension is granted in accordance with the Regulation.

	TRA commences comments period for the recommendations of the Consumer Advisory Group on CPS
	On 8 May 2005, the TRA received the final recommendations of the Consumer Advisory Group on Carrier Pre-Selection. As part of the transparency approach, the TRA hereby publishes the recommendations for the public and invites interested and relevant parties to provide the TRA with their comments on the recommendations and the Code of Practice for Carrier Pre-Selection. To view the Regulation on Carrier Pre-Selection, visit Regulations Page, for more details on the group, visit Advisory Groups Page to view the recommendations click here to view the press release click here. The address for responses to this document is: The General Director, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) PO Box 10353, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Alternatively, e-mail responses may be sent to the Authority’s email address at consult@tra.org.bh The deadline for responses is 5 pm on 29 May 2005

	The TRA issued Commencement of Cost of Capital Review Invitation for Comments
	On 24 April 2005, the TRA issued Commencement of Cost of Capital Review Invitation for Comments. To view the Invitation, press here.

	The TRA grants to Batelco a Dispensation pursuant to the Accounting Separation regulation
	On 3 April 2005 the TRA granted to Batelco a dispensation pursuant to section 9.3 of the Regulation to account for its PAMR, Paging and VSAT licensed activities on a combined basis. The dispensation granted to Batelco shall apply until 31 December 2006 unless a further extension is granted in accordance with the Regulation.

	The TRA publishes a notice regarding cost based premium SMS
	On March 9, 2005 the TRA invites interested parties to comment on the cost based premium SMS. Click here to view the notice.

	TRA announced that it grants to MTC-VB a partial dispensation
	On February 15, 2005 the TRA grants to MTC-VB a partial dispensation where MTC is required to separate its accounts for the costs and revenues of each of its call termination and call origination activities under its mobile telecoms license. The TRA, being satisfied that the combination of MTC's IFL, ISL and ISP licensed activities would (i) involve the combination of activities which involve "negative revenue" and (ii) not materially prejudice the TRA's ability to carry out its obligations under the Telecoms Law, hereby grants MTC a dispensation pursuant to section 9.3 of the regulation to account for its IFL, ISL and ISP licensed activities on a combined basis.

	TRA announced that it grants to 2Connect a dispensation pursuant to the Accounting Separation Regulation
	On February 9, 2005 the TRA announced that it grants to 2Connect a dispensation pursuant to section 9.1 of the Regulation from the requirement to prepare FAC and LRAIC Regulatory Accounts. Under this dispensation, 2Connect is permitted to prepare Regulatory Accounts in accordance with the Regulation for all of its licensed activities in aggregate. Such dispensation granted to 2Connect shall apply until 31 December 2006 unless a further extension is granted in accordance with the Regulation.

	TRA announced that it grants to Mena Broadband Services a dispensation pursuant to the Accounting Separation Regulation
	On February 9, 2005, the TRA announced that it grants to Mena Broadband Services a dispensation pursuant to section 9.1 of the Regulation from the requirement to prepare FAC and LRAIC Regulatory Accounts. Under this dispensation, Mena Broadband Services is permitted to prepare Regulatory Accounts in accordance with the Regulation for all of its licensed activities in aggregate. Such dispensation granted to Mena Broadband Services shall apply until 31 December 2006 unless a further extension is granted in accordance with the Regulation.

	DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS ON RIO EXTENDED TO 20 NOVEMBER
	Following a request, the TRA has extended the deadline for receiving comments on Batelco’s RIO to 5.00 pm on Saturday 20 November 2004. Comments should be sent by email to contact@tra.org.bh. Alternatively, comments may be sent by post or facsimile for the attention of the Director of Economics Affairs. Telecommunications Regulatory Authority PO Box 10353 Manama Kingdom of Bahrain Facsimile +973 17 532 125

	Invitation to Comment on Batelco’s RIO
	Under the provisions of the Telecommunications Law, Batelco's Reference Interconnection Offer ("RIO") must be published every six months subject to the approval of the TRA. Batelco's next RIO is due to be published by 30 November 2004. As part of the TRA's process for approving Batelco's next RIO, the TRA is inviting interested parties to provide comments on Batelco's RIO. Batelco's RIO may be obtained from Batelco's website at www.batelco.com/wholesale/referenceoffer.asp It should be noted that the TRA will only consider comments relating to the RIO and not the whole of the document published by Batelco which covers other services. The areas that the TRA will consider comments on are those parts of Batelco’s document which the TRA had approved in the past. Please refer to the TRA’s announcement on the clarification of its approval of Batelco’s RIO on 22 August 2004 in the announcements Section. Comments should be received by the TRA as soon as possible but no later than Monday 15 November 2004. Comments should be sent by email to contact@tra.org.bh. Alternatively, comments may be sent by post or facsimile for the attention of the Director of Economics Affairs. Telecommunications Regulatory Authority PO Box 10353 Manama Kingdom of Bahrain Facsimile +973 17 532 125

	Interconnection between Batelco & MTC Vodafone Bahrain
	On 12 September 2004, upon the expiry of the Interconnection Agreement between them, Batelco and MTC Vodafone Bahrain has signed an agreement setting the terms of interconnection for both operators. The terms and conditions of this agreement are based on their previous Interconnection that was signed on 15 July 2004.

	Interconnection between Batelco & MTC Vodafone Bahrain
	On 15 July 2004, upon the expiry of the Interim Interconnection Order No. 4, Batelco and MTC Vodafone Bahrain has signed an agreement setting the terms of interconnection for both operators. The terms and conditions of this agreement are based on the previous Interim Interconnection Order No. 4 .

	Clarification concerning Batelco Reference Interconnection Offer
	On 22 August 2004, the TRA announced its clarification regarding its approval concerning Batelco’s Reference Interconnection Offer (RIO) dated 31st May, 2004 from the effective date of 15th June, 2004 English ,Arabic

	Local loop and related access to facilities
	On 30th June 2004, the TRA issued notices approving Batelco's proposal concerning unbundling the local loop and provision of access to facilities. To view the ULL notice click here [English] [Arabic] and for the access notice click here [English] [Arabic].

	TRA announced the full liberalization of the telecommunications sector in Bahrain
	On 1 July 2004, the TRA announced the full liberalization of the telecommunications sector in Bahrain. To view the available licenses refer to Available Licenses Section, to directly apply for a license refer to Apply for Licenses Section.

	Public Hearing, Retail Price Controls
	Public Hearing, Retail Price Controls, ERU DC 096 . On 18 September 2003, the TRA gave notice of a public hearing on 4 October (revised from 20 September 2003) regarding Retail Price Controls (see Consultations, ERU CN 013). Interested parties should note the submission deadline in the notice.

	Formal Comment Period Notice, Mobile Number Portability
	Formal Comment Period Notice, Mobile Number Portability, MOU DC 087 . On 7 September 2003, the TRA issued a Formal Comment Period Notice regarding Mobile Number Portability and published a Position Paper MOU DC 077 on the Consultations page of the Publications section.

	Public Hearing Notice
	Public Hearing Notice,CCA DC 021 . On 30 April 2003, the TRA gave notice of a public hearing on 31 May 2003 regarding licences to be issued to Batelco.