Bahrain's telecom watchdog facing legal action

Legal action is being taken against Bahrain's telecom watchdog for allegedly barring Menatelecom from bidding to offer 4G mobile phone services, a report said.

The company yesterday filed a case against the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) at the Urgent Matters Court, according to the report in our sister publication, the Gulf Daily News.

The Cabinet last month approved plans to introduce 4G technology as part of efforts to upgrade Bahrain's broadband infrastructure.

But Menatelecom says despite meeting all the necessary requirements they have been excluded from the auction.

"Menatelecom has filed a case against the decision taken by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, to not include it amongst the three telecommunication services, Batelco, VIVA and Zain, in the auction of the fourth generation mobile telephone frequencies," said court documents.

The case will be reviewed today ahead of the deadline for the auction, which reportedly ends at 4pm.