Bahraini telecommunications minister highlights BIE's service

Minister of State for Telecommunications Affairs Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa praised the Kingdom of Bahrain's leading accomplishments in developing the telecommunications sector.
Bahrain provides advanced high-speed, low-cost internet services according to highest international standards thanks to the Government policy of openness, competitiveness and transparency in this vital sector, the Minister said.
During an inspection visit by the Minister to the headquarters of Bahrain Internet Exchange (BIE) and its ancillary facilities, the Minister emphasised the importance of the BIE's new projects aimed at the provision of best quality, low-cost services to subscribers at highly competitive prices.
The Minister noted the significance of the BIE's linkage through the TGN-Gulf cable system, the world's biggest network launched by Tata Communications Company, and its contribution in developing the national network for high-speed broadband services according to best specifications harnessing fiber optics thus reducing internet costs by 50% for all subscribers. He said that the national network will accomplish several benefits from linking companies and service centres, reducing the use of microwave usage which will boost data transfer speed by more than 90%, increase fourth generation service benefits, high-speed telecommunication, lessen the damage and negative impact of radiation on health and the environment, and support the objectives of the Third National Telecommunications Plan endorsed as per Cabinet Resolution 39/2012.
He added that the Ministry works to develop the internet network infrastructures in coordination the Bahrain Internet Exchange (BIE) and protect against hacking, sabotage, natural elements and to increase capacity and speed of all services provided by the BIE.
The BIE has expanded its relations with customers and users in the private and public sectors and increased opportunities of availing from global economic horizons in cooperation with the Economic Development Board (EDB), encouraging foreign investments in the IT and telecommunications sector and boosting its contribution in the GNP in harmony with the Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030.
The BIE's Board of Directors Chairman Brigadier Mansour Mohammed Al-Hajeri said that the launching of the and connection of the Bahrain Internet Exchange with India and the rest of the world countries through Tata's Gulf subsea cable system (i.e. TGN) using fiber optics enables the provision of continuous high-quality secure and efficient services, citing the provision of its services to 47 governmental bodies in Bahrain as well as best services to the private sector.
The Executive Director of the Bahrain Internet Exchange Shaima Al-Hamid thanked Minister Shaikh Fawaz for his visit to the BIE facilities commending the Minister's follow up of latest projects and services, and also commending the Board of Directors' support to implementation of its developmental projects and plans.