The Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco) reported a five percent increase in gross revenue to 95.1 million Bahraini dinars for the six months ending June 30, 2003, driven by strong growth in Infomatics and mobile services. A BD 27.5 million profit attributable to the group was achieved in line with Batelco's plan for the year.
"Revenue generated by our mobile operation was 14 percent higher than the previous corresponding period and earnings from Infomatics increased by 11 percent. Batelco now has 400,035 mobile customers, representing 58 percent of the Bahrain population," stated Acting Chief Executive of Batelco, Sameer Nooruddin.
Launched in June the new Batelco mobile packages were created to reflect customer lifestyles in Bahrain, with different options developed specifically for young people, businesses and families. The launches was marked by wide ranging price cuts of up to 37 percent, with free minutes and SMS message built in to the post paid packages. International call users also received a big boost, with prices to Asia slashed.
Batelco was established in 1981 as a Bahraini shareholding company. Cable & Wireless UK owns 20 percent of Batelco and enjoys a strong association with Batelco by providing support, advice and assistance. The company currently has joint ventures in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt for the provision of Internet access and data communications services. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
