Batelco has started deploying Bahrain Wi-Fi, a nationwide Wi-Fi network throughout the Kingdom of Bahrain for its mobile customers and general public. The nationwide Wi-Fi rollout has begun with a number of hotspots including the Bahrain International Circuit, Seef Mall Muharraq and the Juffair Restaurant area. Additional locations will be launched rapidly during the rest of the year.
In the first major step for the project, Batelco provided Wi-Fi for the Bahrain International Circuit during the 2016 Formula One weekend, making it the first international circuit to provide free public Wi-Fi. Approximately 70,000 visitors connected to Bahrain Wi-Fi network generating over one terabyte of Wi-Fi traffic.
To deliver and manage carrier-class Wi-Fi services, the Operator has selected Aptilo Service Management Platform(SMP) which provides a highly scalable platform, supporting Batelco's rapid growth in rolling out Wi-Fi hotspots.
Any Wi-Fi-enabled device will be able to connect to Bahrain Wi-Fi through a landing page and benefit from a limited daily complimentary data allocation. Users will then be directed to the Bahrain Wi-Fi portal, enabled by Aptilo SMP, with easy payment options to continue using the service. Batelco's mobile customers will be automatically connected to the service whenever they enter one of the Wi-Fi hotspots.
Eng. Muna Al Hashemi, CEO Batelco Bahrain
Batelco's effort to cover Bahrain with Wi-Fi demonstrates the company's commitment in developing relevant Smart City solutions which help to maintain Bahrain's leading position on the international market.
Christian Jonsson, Director Sales, Africa and the Middle East, Aptilo Networks
Offering carrier Wi-Fi services is an important step in making Bahrain one of the leading technology hubs of the region. Batelco is on the forefront in delivering best-in-class technology and services.
