Analysis of Telecom Sector in Bahrain Market Size

Bahrain Telecom Market Analysis

Telecom sector in Bahrain is expected to regsiter a CAGR of 6% over the forecast period (2021 - 2026). The country has been at the forefront of technological, market, and regulatory changes for decades. To maintain its competitive positioning, Bahrain's monarchy and the Bahrain government have taken active steps in driving its telecom sector, with the Kingdom of Bahrain Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) at the core of this process.

• The TRA is primarily responsible for the implementation of Bahrain's National Telecommunications Plan and to govern the competitive environment of the telecom industry. It works closely with policy-makers to digitally transform the country's telecom sector from a statutory monopoly operator to multiple players competing for a share for the healthy growth of the market. For instance, TRA was able to switch the market Batelco's monopoly with oligopoly, with the introduction of vendors, such as Zain and Viva, in the region.
• The region also has taken extreme measures to facilitate the investment foundation in ICT. It aims to acquire relevant skills and talent required through tailored training and building programs for the industry to function inline with the Economic Vision 2030, launched in 2008. Economic Vision 2030 is focused on sustainability, fairness, and competitiveness as Bahrain aims to become a smart kingdom by transforming the country to be a leading business and ICT hub for internet content and application.
• Also, according to the recent ITU report, the Kingdom of Bahrain ranked 4th worldwide in the Telecommunication Infrastructure Index (TII), with the reported mobile subscription rate of 140% of the total population, 3rd global rank in terms of estimated of 98% of internet users. Also, the recent report on market indicators in 2019 states that the region has achieved the first position in the Arab world and is ranked 31st globally, on the ICT Development Index.
• For instance, in March 2019, the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications announced that the Kingdom of Bahrain started its preparations for the rollout of 5G networks, and the TRA has scheduled the allocation of the licensing and spectrum in the first week of April. This reflects the kingdom's drive for innovation, leveraging the latest technologies, and supporting the stakeholders in the ICT sector.
• Furthermore, the region also facilitates internet access to all educational institutions as part of its digital empowerment initiative. Additionally, it provides free internet access in public areas, including tourist areas, malls, and public facilities.