Manama, Bahrain: Shaikh Mohamed added: "In addition to overseas growth we are also pleased with Batelco's ability to retain its status of a market leader in Bahrain across the full spectrum of telecommunications services. In spite of aggressive market competition and the first full year of operations for the third mobile operator, the Group still maintained its status of a market leader in Bahrain and a nearly 44% share of the mobile market and strong retention rates – a key priority - for our high value post-paid individual and business subscribers. Similarly we saw additional progress in the broadband segment in Bahrain where Batelco saw an increase of more than 50% in its wireless broadband subscriber numbers for the year. These successes, despite competitive pressures, are down to our ongoing focus on innovation and the desire to continuously work to ensure that Batelco customers are the best connected, serviced and incentivised customers in the Kingdom."

The Group has continued with this focus in 2012 and has already made significant inroads with the launch of exciting new products, services and technologies including having recently concluded the successful trial of 4G/LTE in January 2012 at the Bahrain International Air Show.

Batelco commitment to delivering value to shareholders and community

Closing the meeting of the General Assembly, Group Chairman Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Khalifa said: "Along with our commitment to operational excellence and the delivery of shareholder value, I'd also like to reiterate the Group's commitment to the Kingdom of Bahrain and our local communities. We've served Bahrain for more than 30 years as the Kingdom's leading telecommunications operator but even more importantly as an integral member of the community. In 2011 we continued to support development on a number of levels and are proud to have invested more than BD2.1 million in numerous noteworthy projects, initiatives and social causes and will continue to build on this in 2012.

"In concluding, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our shareholders for their continued support and confidence in Batelco Group and our strategy as well as our customers for their loyalty to Batelco brand and those of our subsidiaries in overseas markets. As we go forward, we will continue to focus on executing our strategy to grow and enhance our network and create an even stronger and more competitive company for the future. We would also like to thank the management and employees of the Group whose dedication and hard work drive our success and our ability to create greater value for customers and shareholders alike in the year ahead."

This press release has been issued by Batelco Corporate Affairs department.
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