“Building on the positive momentum of the first quarter, we enter an exciting new phase for the Group. We will focus in the months ahead on maximising the value of our new and existing assets and leveraging our added size, scale and reach in order to achieve further growth, realize synergies and ultimately deliver more value to all of our stakeholders, and, in particular customers and shareholders,” Batelco Group CEO Shaikh Mohamed, said.
“While we are a transformed company, with a global presence, our vision, principles and focus remains unchanged. Working together with all of our new and existing management teams and colleagues, we remain dedicated to delivering innovation, customer service and value and to operating market leading brands across our expanded network. We are confident that in doing so, we will also be better placed to achieve growth, strengthen financial performance and emerge a more profitable and cash generative communications Group.”
“Innovation remained a constant focus during the quarter as highlighted by the numerous new services, offers and enhancements to speed, reliability and care across the full spectrum of services we offer. Our roll out of the much awaited 4G LTE service is not only a significant innovation for our customers, it also underscores Batelco’s ongoing commitment to investment in the Kingdom’s infrastructure. This commitment to both customers and the markets in which we operate will continue to support our market leadership at home and throughout our growing network,” said Shaikh Mohamed.
“Importantly the company became the first operator in the Kingdom to offer 4G LTE in February. 4G LTE not only helps to provide for the ultimate mobile experience with the fastest download speeds available for customers, it also enhances the country’s global position and competitiveness by providing advanced telecommunications services required for businesses and service industries.
Similarly in broadband, the company also introduced a number of innovations including a new super fast speed broadband package of 100Mbps for home broadband use. This has been made possible through the roll out of fibre optic (GPON) technology, which delivers superfast speed access to the Internet. These and other services were showcased at Batelco’s first Tech Show, also held during the period, where the company’s wide range of the latest communications products and services including ICT products, services and solutions were exhibited for customers.”
In Bahrain, despite aggressive competition, Batelco maintains a strong presence in the mobile market supported by its retention of high value post-paid residential and business customers. For the period, mobile subscribers increased by 3%, a second consecutive quarter of growth. Year over year, however, there was a 2% decline. Mobile broadband subscriber growth remained impressive with year over year growth of 121% and a 10% increase quarter on quarter. As in previous periods, and reflecting a global shift to mobile services, demand for fixed line and broadband services continued to decrease.