Batelco First in the Kingdom of Bahrain to Launch Broadband for All Prepaid Broadband Service, with Aptilo

Mobile World Congress, BARCELONA, Spain, February 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Batelco, the leading broadband services provider for the Kingdom of Bahrain, has announced the launch of Broadband for All in a new prepaid initiative, a first for the Kingdom and the region. Working with Aptilo Networks, a leading provider of systems to manage data services for wireless networks, including mobile data offloading and now also for prepaid xDSL, Batelco is delivering its high-speed Broadband service at speeds of up to 1Mbps for as low as two Bahraini dinar (BD2).

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By removing subscriptions and monthly rental obligations Batelco's Broadband service becomes accessible to a wider customer base meeting Batelco's aspiration to provide Broadband for all.

The service utilizes the Aptilo Service Management Platform™ for service management and policy control. The platform facilitates easy and scalable service delivery, administration and monitoring.

Broadband for All is available through all Batelco's consumer fixed-line connections. Now all Batelco's consumer fixed lines are broadband-ready meaning there is no need to subscribe or pay monthly fees.

Currently, Batelco is offering two prepaid card denominations - BD2 with usage of 1GB valid for a 24-hour period and BD4 with usage of 2GB valid for seven days. There are plans to offer more denomination/usage options in the near future.

Batelco General Manager Media Relations Ahmed Al Janahi said that Batelco's investment in its next-generation network enables the company to deliver this innovative service to its customers.  "Batelco has introduced this service as broadband is now considered a necessity in people's lives and not simply a luxury for some."

"Batelco's Broadband for All is the best value for money and offers customers total control over their spending with its 'pay as you use' structure. It also provides parents with the opportunity to control their children's access to the Internet by giving them a specific time or usage," added Mr. Al Janahi.

Customers need a Batelco fixed line and any ADSL router to start using the service with a Broadband for All prepaid card. The Broadband for All prepaid cards are available at all Batelco Retail Shops and from Batelco's 3rd party distributors which are located all over the Kingdom.

"We place the needs of our customers as a key priority and listen to their feedback in order to deliver products and services that improve their communication facilities. Many customers only require occasional Web access and this service is ideal for those with very light or occasional usage needs, while also accommodating a low-budget requirement. In addition, customers have the flexibility of using the service from any location or Batelco fixed line," Mr. Al Janahi concluded.

"For more than ten years the Aptilo Service Management Platform has been the leading solution for delivering carrier-class Wi-Fi services, which today is in operation with 90+ operators in 60 countries.  It was only natural for us to also offer this for prepaid ADSL as the sign-up models are very similar," said Torbjorn Ward, CEO, Aptilo Networks.  "We are proud to be working with Batelco in bringing Internet access to its customers through this prepaid initiative."  

For details about Batelco's products, services and current promotions, please visit http://www.batelco.com or visit any Batelco Retail Shop or phone 196.

For more information visit Aptilo at Mobile World Congress, Hall 2 Stand 2B117.

About Batelco

Batelco is the leading integrated communications' provider in the Kingdom of Bahrain and a company of reference among the region's key telecommunications players for innovation and customer experience.  It is part of Batelco Group (BSE: BATELCO), a regional telecommunications operator headquartered in Bahrain with operations across seven countries.  

About Aptilo Networks

Aptilo Networks is a leading provider of systems to manage mobile data services for Wi-Fi, WiMAX and 3G/LTE networks, including mobile data offloading. Aptilo's carrier-class solutions boast pre-integrated authentication, policy control and charging functions to maximize functionality and fast-track deployments while minimizing impact on existing systems. Aptilo's solutions are currently in operation in more than 60 countries.  For more information, please visit http://www.aptilo.com

For further information please contact:

    
    Hillary Call, Public Relations
    Manager
    Aptilo Networks AB 
    c/o Call Communications 
    P: 001-917-414-9262 
    [email protected]

SOURCE Aptilo Networks AB