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Bahrain eyes global telco for 3rd mobile licence

Tue Sep 16, 2008 11:49am EDT

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DUBAI, Sept 16 (Reuters) - Bahrain has set a Nov. 13 deadline for companies bidding for its third mobile licence and is looking for an experienced global operator, the island state's telecoms watchdog said on Tuesday.

The kingdom's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) said Nov. 13 would be the final deadline to receive bids.

"TRA expects the winning bidder to be an experienced international player capable of offering innovative and affordable mobile services, to strengthen competition in Bahrain and deliver tangible socio-economic benefits to the Kingdom," Alan Horne, TRA's general director, said in a statement.

Rob Middlehurst, TRA's director of market and competition said the auction will be a multi-stage process with a final financial round for suitably qualified bidders.

At least six firms have expressed interest in becoming the third mobile network operator in Bahrain, an island of about 1.05 million people and the smallest Gulf Arab economy.

The country has been on a drive to boost competition and bring down prices. The new mobile operator would compete with Bahrain Telecommunications Co BTEL.BH and Zain, a unit of Kuwait's Mobile Telecommunications Co (ZAIN.KW).

The TRA said the six firms which had expressed interest by May were a mixture of local and international companies. (Writing by Firouz Sedarat; Editing by Sharon Lindores)



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