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Bahrain's TRA to issue temporary WiFi licences

DUBAI — The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Bahrain (TRA) proceeded with accepting applications for temporary WiFi frequency licenses since August 13.

These licenses authorise their holders to use the allocated frequency for wireless internet services also known as WiFi in the Kingdom of Bahrain. All licensed operators, individuals and other entities using WiFi or Hot Spots are now required to apply for the temporary WiFi frequency license.

For the time being and until the spectrum project is completed, the TRA decided to take this exceptional step to issue this temporary WiFi frequency license, so that parties offering this service in Bahrain can do it in compliance with the law.

Applicants should note that this license does not guarantee automatic renewal, and once expired may not be granted again. The TRA will announce its final licensing policy on all frequency matters including WiFi along with the completion of the Spectrum Management project.

The General Director of TRA, A. Andreas Avgousti commented on this announcement saying: "We have issued the temporary WiFi Frequency License to enable organisations and individuals providing this service to do it in compliance with the law. Now that this license is available any entity individuals providing WiFi in Bahrain are required by law to apply for this license."

"This license is temporary as the TRA with the Ministry of Transportation are in the process of formulating their final policy on all telecoms spectrum related issues which will include WiFi frequencies and the licensing of them. As with all TRA decisions we will carry out a consultation on the proposals and in due course announce the final spectrum policy to the public as soon as the decision is made," he added.