Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco) said it has committed to an initial investment of $350 million in its new Saudi fixed line operations, with the total spend expected to reach $1 billion. As part of the Etihad Atheeb consortium, the firm is busy deploying a WiMAX wireless broadband network which will enable it to offer voice and data solutions in competition with the current fixed line monopolist Saudi Telecom Company (STC). It expects its first services to be available in the fourth quarter of this year.
