Telecoms operator Batelco has announced it has successfully activated 5G coverage across Bahrain.
According to the telco, the 5G coverage is available in all four governorates and this month cover 95% of the nation’s population, making Batelco the first operator to have national 5G coverage in Bahrain and positions it among the leading operators in the GCC.
In March 2019, Batelco signed a partnership agreement with Ericsson to build a national 5G mobile network over a period of two years. Ericsson has been the technology partner of choice for a number of leading telecom operators around the world in Europe and North America.
Mikkel Vinter, CEO, Batelco explained: “Covering Bahrain with 5G is a key strategic goal for Batelco, both at the corporate and national level. It’s a technology that will change the telecom industry as we know it today and will open up endless possibilities in the digital space.”
“At Batelco, we align our strategic decisions with Bahrain’s vision for the telecom sector and the digital economy, and we are committed to be at the forefront of the Digital Transformation in Bahrain. We are investing in 5G today to serve our customers and the citizens of Bahrain with the latest technologies and to lay the foundation for what 5G will bring for the next generation.”
“Today, 5G users will enjoy high Internet speeds up to 10 times faster than their current experience, low latency and the ability to process heavy data with speed and efficiency. Customers will feel this in video streaming, gaming, virtual reality and other Internet-based technologies.
“However, the full potential of 5G is yet to be experienced. Soon we will see millions of devices gathering and sharing information in real time enabling technologies such as self-driven vehicles, robotics in healthcare, self-operated machines in heavy industries and many more that will enrich the life of societies and transform our industries and economies,” Vinter added. “The entire Batelco team are very proud of the national 5G coverage, that is in line with Bahrain’s economic vision for 2030 and we are very grateful to the Board of Directors for their strong support to Batelco being the leader of 5G technology in Bahrain.”
Smart phone manufacturers have launched their 5G-compatible devices and are now available in the market. These include Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo and LG.
The readiness for 5G technology by different carriers along with the phones is allowing customers to experience the transformation that 5G will bring.
