Batelco to Soon Launch IPTV Services in Bahrain

Batelco, a leading telecoms operator on the island of Bahrain, announced it will launch the new Internet Protocol TV (IPTV (News - Alert)) service shortly in two residential areas.

As part of this development, Batelco formed a partnership with Saudi technology firm Selevision.

The service will offer free-to-air content and premium bouquets such as Orbit Showtime Network. Subscribers will also get a free video-on-demand library that contains approximately 200 movies, documentaries and more, with new additions made each month.

As part of the IPTV offer, Batelco will also deliver time-shifting, personal video recording, and an advanced interactive electronic program guide.

"Whether you are a sports fan, a movie buff or hooked on series or 24 hour news from around the world, our broadband IPTV service is certain to meet your very specific demands," said Rashid Abdulla, CEO, in a statement.

The company plans to expand the service outside its two launch areas at a later stage, according to Batelco  officials.

Batelco is presenting at the IP&TV MENA Forum. Maitham Abdulla, manager Internet & Messaging of Batelco will be debating at a panel titled, “Partnerships between Telcos and Broadcasters to Indicate the Rise of the Next Generation of TV Viewing.”

Recently Kingdom Batelco Consortium announced it will not proceed with making a binding offer to acquire Zain (News - Alert) Group's 25 per cent stake in Zain KSA. The decision was announced after discussion with Zain Group and other stakeholders, said a Batelco statement.

Batelco, the investment vehicle of Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, agreed in March to buy a stake in the indebted affiliate of Kuwaiti group Zain for $950 million.

According to analysts, a major impediment for the deal was Zain Saudi debt above $5.5 billion according to its first-quarter results. That included a $2.6 billion Islamic facility that can be rolled over until August 2012 and reported to be part-guaranteed by Zain, and $651 million owed to Zain.