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Bahrain 4G auction suspended

Image source: Prolineserver/Wikimedia Commons.

The auction for Bahrains 4G radio spectrum has been postponed indefinitely following a legal challenge from Menatelecom

Bahrain's Telecoms Regulatory Authority (TRA) has taken the decision to postpone the process following Menatelecom's decision to file three cases in the Bahraini courts against the TRA's decision to conduct an auction limited to three bidders.

According to Reuters, the auction of 12 lots of spectrum for long-term evolution (LTE), or 4G, was going to be limited to Bahrain Telecommunications Co (Batelco), Kuwait's Zain and Saudi Telecom affiliate, Viva Bahrain.

The auction was due to begin on 31 March but has been postponed "pending further notice" according to a statement by the TRA.

Menatelecom is a subsidiary of Islamic bank Kuwait Finance House.