National fibre broadband network operator Bahrain Network (BNET) announced on Monday it has completed the transfer of Zain Bahrain’s fixed fibre backhaul network assets to its wholesale fibre network.

BNET and Zain Bahrain officially signed off on the transfer last Thursday after collaborating for over a year to complete the process.

BNET said that it facilitated the asset transfer by launching a ‘Network Right of Use’ service, later supplemented by the ‘Unmanaged Mobile Backhaul Service’, designed to support mobile network operations and promote equitable access to infrastructure.

BNET was spun off from incumbent telco Batelco in 2019 and began operations in 2021 as a wholesale fibre infrastructure provider for all licenced telcos in Bahrain. Under Bahrain’s Fifth National Telecommunications Plan (NTP5) – which aims to foster sustainable and competitive growth in Bahrain’s telecoms and ICT sectors – all operators with fixed telecoms infrastructure assets are required to transfer them to BNET. Infonas was the first such operator to do so at the end of last month.

Commenting on the Zain deal, BNET CEO Ahmed Jaber Alhogbani Aldoseri said, “This agreement marks a significant step towards realising the government’s vision while further positioning Bahrain as a regional leader in telecommunications and technological innovation.”

“Zain Bahrain has taken the initiative to ensure continuity and seamless transition without impacting its network and ability to continue providing exceptional services and a positive experience to its customers,” added Zain Bahrain MD Mohammed Zainalabedin.