The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) announced the launch of Satellite Direct-to-Device (D2D) services in the Kingdom of Bahrain, marking a significant milestone in the country’s telecommunications landscape.
This initiative represents a major step in reinforcing Bahrain’s position as the first country in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to implement Satellite Direct-to-Device services, further strengthening its status as one of the most advanced and best-connected nations globally.
The launch of these services follows the completion and publication of the related consultation report, which forms a key pillar of the TRA’s broader strategy to position Bahrain as a global leader in connectivity and digital innovation. Through this initiative, the Kingdom has become the first in the region to authorise the use of innovative technology that enables standard mobile phones to connect directly to satellites in areas beyond terrestrial network coverage, including maritime zones.
By introducing Satellite Direct-to-Device services, the TRA aims to ensure that essential communication services remain accessible at all times, enhancing safety, resilience, and connectivity for citizens, residents, and visitors alike.
Philip Marnick, General Director of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), said that satellite direct-to-device services mark a major advance in Bahrain’s telecommunications ecosystem, noting that authorising the technology as a first in the GCC strengthens the Kingdom’s position in digital connectivity and innovation. He added that the initiative ensures connectivity beyond terrestrial networks, supporting safety, economic activity and national resilience, and reflects the TRA’s commitment to providing world-class telecommunications services.
The introduction of Satellite Direct-to-Device services underscores the TRA’s ongoing efforts to enhance nationwide connectivity, support emerging technologies, and ensure that Bahrain’s telecommunications framework remains future-ready and aligned with international best practices.