Batelco has made big cuts on its Internet charges, part of a government drive to promote the private sector. Registration and setup fees were cut to BD5 for personal users and BD 10 for businesses. Monthly rentals were cut to BD 3 for individual users and BD6 for businesses. Per minute usage rates have been reduced to just 7 fils.
Business users will also enjoy significant reductions on their inet leased lines. The reductions will range between 63% and 17% off the current rates, depending on the speed of the line.
A statement said that the price cuts are in line with the government’s strategy to attract greater foreign investment. “Internet has become an essential tool for communications and information in our modern age,” said His Excellency Sheikh Ali, Minister of Transportation. Sheikh Ali also confirmed plans, first revealed in arabian-business.com last month, to introduce wireless Internet services this year and upgrade the mobile phone network.
