Mobile and fixed broadband in Bahrain to capitalise on national telecom plans

Mobile data services and fiber optics are projected to remain the primary revenue streams with mobile broadband revenue expected to soar from $274.3m in 2023 to $460.5m in 2028.

fixed broadband will grow from $119.2m in 2023 to $168.9m in 2028. Credit: Nordic Studio via Shutterstock.

The Bahrain connectivity landscape is rapidly evolving, and by 2028, 5G penetration of the population is expected to surge to 75% from 41% in 2023, and fixed broadband penetration of the population is anticipated to increase from 12.2% to 17.8% over the same period.

The Bahrain government is actively enhancing the country’s connectivity infrastructure. In 2020, Bahrain unveiled plans to establish a nationwide fiber-optic broadband network under the Fifth National Telecommunications Plan (NTP5), aiming to deliver affordable high-speed internet to all households and businesses by 2026.

Building on this initiative, the Sixth National Telecommunications Plan (NTP6), introduced in November 2023, focuses on improving gigabit speeds, expanding fiber-optic network coverage, enhancing user experience, and fostering mobile market development.

NTP6 also includes regulatory measures to attract new digital and technology players, fostering an innovative ecosystem to drive the digital transformation of Bahrain’s telecom sector.