Regulator Dismisses Batelco Investment Threats

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As one of the most mature telecoms markets in the Middle East, Bahrain has seen its growth rates slow over the past few years. Mobile penetration is now well above 100%, while at 11.2%, the country had the highest broadband penetration in the Gulf region at the end of 2006. Incumbent operator Batelco has invested heavily in new technologies and infrastructure, spending over BHD33.7mn in 2006. The company is currently in the process of rolling out a next generation network (NGN), in order to raise broadband network capacity and develop triple-play services.