MANAMA: Bahrain will develop into one of the most qualified telecommunications regulators in the Middle East by the end of this year, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority's (TRA) outgoing general director Alan Horne said yesterday.
Mr Horne has decided to step down from his position by the end of this month.
"I am enormously privileged to have held the position of TRA general director for the past three years," Mr Horne said.
"In November 2006, taking over from the first general director I set out to build competency into the team to ensure that Bahrain developed into one of the best and most qualified telecommunications regulators in the Middle East.
"By the end of this year, the TRA will have achieved this key objective. All of the TRA team members have clear performance targets supported by regular training and skill development programmes.
"Together we have created what is considered by our peers to be the most transparent regulator in the region.
"After full consultation with all stakeholders we set out a clear work programme to support achieving the obligation placed upon us by the law namely - protection of consumers, ensure the development of fair competition and ensuring operators have the abilities to deliver the promised services before the grant of any new licence," he said.
"The role of the regulator is not an easy one and has to tread a fine line balancing the demands from consumers, incumbent and new operators, as well as meeting government policy objectives.
"Our approach in liberalising the market to provide real choice for consumers and to enforce the rights and obligations of all licensees is now starting to bear fruit.
"This would not have been possible without the full support of my chairman Dr Mohammed Al Amer and board members, for which I am grateful," he added.
"Alan has done a wonderful job in building the competency of TRA and in supporting the significant growth in the telecommunications sector," Dr Al Amer said.
"Through the board of directors' guidance, general director leadership and the staff dedication, the TRA has created an environment that has allowed the telecommunications sector to grow in every sense of the word.
"Bahrain now enjoys greater choice of service providers and services, consumers are receiving better value for money, and TRA Bahrain is seen as the leading regulatory authority within the region.
"The work programme which is still ongoing will further enhance Bahrain's competitiveness in the region and throughout the Middle East.
"We are currently in our final stages of selecting Alan's replacement and will make an announcement in the coming weeks," he added.
