** For the first time in Bahrain **

Batelco, in line with its continuous efforts to deliver innovative services for the Kingdom of Bahrain, is delighted to announce the successful implementation of its network’s first VoLTE technology. Batelco has partnered with Ericsson, among the world’s leading communications technology companies, to deliver this world class technology for Batelco’s customers. The success confirms Batelco as Bahrain’s leading communications solutions provider by delivering the service ahead of its competitors.

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology delivers the capability to make and receive calls over the 4G/LTE network while also supporting video calls, instant messaging, video streaming and data browsing. With this world class service Batelco’s customers will be able to simultaneously access the Internet at 4G LTE speeds while making crystal-clear HD voice calls. Batelco’s customers have been benefiting from a simultaneous talk and surf service over Batelco’s 3G network for years, but the new 4G service delivers ultra-fast data speeds which will provide a very impressive superior service.

Batelco Bahrain CEO Muna Al Hashemi said that the service will improve customer experience by enabling simultaneous HD voice calls and video with faster call setup time.

“The service will allow customers to enjoy High Definition (HD) Voice calls with call setup times of less than a second and pave the way to advanced and interoperable services that facilitate multimedia communication and collaboration at the same time as the voice call is being made. This means that video call, instant messaging, video streaming or 4G browsing services can all be used during the call.”

“Voice over LTE is considered the next step in voice calls because it runs completely on Internet technology and promises features such as clearer calls and the integration of video and voice services,” Mrs. Al Hashemi noted.

“We are committed to providing the best mobile broadband experience for our customers and this has been reconfirmed with the installation and testing of VoLTE services. We are working with Ericsson to provide additional services using our 4G/LTE network to enhance the communication services for our customers,” Mrs. Al Hashemi added.

Ericsson Head of GCC and Pakistan Patrik Melander said, “Ericsson’s VoLTE offering provides a highly capable end-to-end solution for Batelco. With this new collaboration we will continue to strengthen our strategic partnership established over many years. This achievement underlines our commitment to help Batelco in its initiatives to provide the best VoLTE service experience for its customers.”

“Ericsson is proud to having been part of this vital step in Batelco’s ICT Transformation. The Ericsson VoLTE platform will deliver the most advanced communications services, improving customer experience for voice and enabling the launch of new multimedia services never seen before in the Kingdom,” Mr. Melander added.

Batelco’s implementation and success with the Kingdom’s first VoLTE call demonstrates the Company’s commitment to put Bahrain on the worlds map as an innovative and international standard hub. It is the next step towards preparing for the future in line with Batelco’s continuous efforts to maintain its position as a pioneer in introducing new technologies with relevant offers for its customers.

For more information customers are invited to visit Batelco’s website www.batelco.com, phone 196 or visit any Batelco Retail Shop.