Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 30 | Page 52

COUNTRY FOCUS: BAHRAIN The Batelco Group is surely one of the most progressive enterprises in Bahrain. As an integrated communications provider, it plays a vital role in the life of the nation. Here we look at some of the projects the company has been involved with to contribute significantly to the kingdom’s prosperity and development as a leading business and tourism hub. ///////////////// Driving world- class standards T he Batelco Group is one of the most notable companies operating in Bahrain. Batelco has played a pivotal role in the country’s development as a major communications hub and is the leading integrated communications provider, shaping the local consumer market and the enterprise ICT market. It is also growing overseas via investment in market-leading fixed and wireless operators. namely Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt, Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man, Maldives, Diego Garcia, St Helena, Ascension Island and even the Falkland Islands. The group has evolved from being a regional Middle Eastern operation to become a major communications company with direct and indirect investments across 14 geographies, Batelco has also successfully demonstrated its commitment to information security after being awarded with the new ISO Certificate in Information Security. 52 INTELLIGENTCIO The company is keen to work with overseas organisations; hence its partnership with the British University of Bahrain. One result of this is that for the first time students in Bahrain are able to study for British degrees in ICT. And sports fans can’t fail to be impressed by its work as the official telecommunications partner of Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), providing a full range of communications services for the 2018 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. As if this wasn’t enough, the company has also launched the Batelco Gulf Network (BGN), a new international cable system that provides the GCC region with an additional option for regional and international connectivity solutions. www.intelligentcio.com