Bahrain Tribune - 26/12/2005

Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco) will inject BD50 million next year to accelerate company's competitiveness by implementing a farsighted agenda of innovative policy changes. Batelco, with largest market capitalisation on the Bahrain Stock Exchange, will also change its working days to align with business enterprises across the Kingdom. Friday and Saturday will be the official weekend for company staff in 2006.

Chief Executive Peter Kaliaropoulos said Batelco's inspired vision was evident by a comprehensive package of sweeping change ushering in a new era in the company. He said: "The ultimate aim is to serve customers even better and to deliver growth by focusing on mobile, broadband and ICT (Information and Communication Technology) opportunities.

"Batelco will launch Six Sigma process-improvement methodologies to streamline customer service, product development, billing and various information-technology processes aimed at more responsive customer care and a single view of the customer. The company has restructured its functional operations into customer-facing business units aimed at better supporting residential, government, corporate, wholesale and ICT customers," adding: "The company will continue to address better value for its customers."

Recently, it introduced significantly lower IDD (international direct dialing) rates via its 123 prepaid calling cards and also slashed Internet tariffs in half for customers with small to medium enterprises. Next year, the company's 16 dedicated retail outlets across the Kingdom will have a new range of services to demonstrate, adding to the strong mobile focus of the past.

Batelco also plans to invest another BD1.1 million in training and development for its 1,600 strong workforce, of which 96 per cent are Bahrainis. The company will also be implementing a range of new human-resource policies next year.
"Vacancies will be advertised simultaneously, internally and externally (via www.batelco.com). The focus will be on selecting the best person for the role and will not necessarily be restricted to seniority within the company."

A code of ethics will be introduced to ensure transparent and extremely ethical behaviour in dealing with customers and suppliers to avoid conflict of interest and favouritism. Development of employees, performance management, leadership development and succession planning will receive significant focus by the company's senior leadership team.

Kaliaropoulos said Batelco was astutely aware of the demands of its customers and the intensity of the competitive environment in Bahrain and the Middle East. "We have introduced our peak-performance programme aimed at creating one of the most competitive, best performing and customer-driven communications companies in the Middle East. We are building from the company's past solid foundations to a more responsive, innovative company aimed at contributing to Bahrain's competitive advantage in the region. By doing so, we will retain the respect and business of our customers."