Manama, Bahrain

Recent Operational Highlights of Batelco Group for the third quarter of 2012
For the nine-month period, the leading telecom in the Middle East Batelco Group's operating performance remained steady. Commenting on the highlights for the period, Batelco Group CEO, Shaikh Mohamed bin Isa Al Khalifa, said: "Across Batelco Group, our focus has been on enhancing competitiveness in our home market, Bahrain, and at our subsidiary companies. This has meant both ensuring we remained as innovative as possible in our approach to serving our customers as well as in the manner in which we manage our operations."

He added: "For us, one strong measure of success has been the growth we have achieved in our subscriber base since the start of the year. We've seen a 12% growth in customer numbers for the nine month period, bringing us to 7.4 million users across Batelco Group. We are especially pleased to have achieved growth during the summer months and Ramadan period, where subscriber renewal and activity has historically been lower."

"In Bahrain telecom sector, where competition is robust, we have maintained our leadership. Overseas, advancements have also been made. In Jordan, customer response to the launch of Umniah's 3.75G services in late June has exceeded expectations. Similarly, Yemen has turned a corner with normalizing conditions in the country and the resulting resumption of growth at the company."

Mobile and Broadband Segments
Mobile subscriber numbers grew 4% on a quarter-over-quarter basis but recorded a decline of 5% year over year. This decrease when compared to the corresponding period in 2011 is largely due to tough and ongoing competition in Bahrain and the rationalization of the customer base in Yemen, which took place in the first quarter of 2012. However, gains made over the last three quarters reflect positive upward trends in Jordan and Yemen, which are expected to continue, as well as success in Bahrain in protecting market share, including in the high value segment.

Broadband customers for the period increased by 21% quarter over quarter and showed a healthy 31% increase on year-over-year basis and 28% since the start of 2012.

This press release has been issued by Batelco Corporate Affairs department. For further information, please contact Batelco Public Relations Office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / Fax +973 17611898.