Transportation Minister visits BNET company

Manama, Feb. 20 (BNA): Transportation and Telecommunications Minister, Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, has paid a visit to the headquarters of the Bahrain Network (BNET) company, and was informed about its work mechanisms, in accordance with the National Telecommunications Plan. Upon arrival, the minister was welcomed by BNET Board of Directors Chairman, Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, in the presence of Batelco Board of Directors Chairman, Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and BNET board and executive administration members. The minister toured the company’s directorates and facilities, in addition to the recently launched centres, including the Service Management Centre (SMC) to support all of Bahrain’s licensed service providers, the Cybersecurity Operations Centre (CSOC) to protect BNET’s digital infrastructure from cyber-attacks and ensure safe and reliable services for BNET customers and licensed service providers in the kingdom, in addition to the Network Intelligence Centre of Excellence to support Bahrain’s telecom service providers. Then, BNET Executive Team, led by Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Bubashait, gave a presentation on the company’s achievements since its establishment in 2019, including the development of the infrastructure for a fiber-optic network for the high-speed Internet, to reach the coverage goals stipulated in Bahrain’s 5th National Telecommunication Plan (NTP5), in line with BNET’s strategy aiming to support the growth and economic diversification of the telecommunication sector, encourage effective and sustainable competition, and ensure the delivery of quality services for licensed operators. The minister stressed that the fiber-optic network is the backbone to every knowledge-based economy and society, which will serve the kingdom’s aspirations, affirmed by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, through his directives to shift towards a strong and flexible digital economy. He commended the efforts exerted by BNET’s executive, and its effective contributions to preparing Bahrain for a digital future with a first-class digital telecommunication infrastructure, expressing hope that the company will continue its efforts to meet the growing demand for broadband connectivity. BNET Board of Directors Chairman, Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa bin Ahmed, welcomed the minister’s visit, praising his constant support for the telecommunications sector.