Bahrain now has ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) links to Italy and the USA. Though not in the same high-speed league as Internet-only ADSL, known as ‘broadband’ technology, ISDN allows business and residential customers to transfer data files, use a fax machine and a telephone and enjoy Internet access all on one line. The ISDN link with Italy, via Telecom Italy, is available at the peak rate of 490 fils and off-peak rate of 360 fils per minute per channel.
A similar link was introduced with the USA where Batelco had previously established links through carriers including AT&T and has now added an agreement with Sprint. Service to the US is available at the peak rate of 490 fils, and off-peak rates of 360 fils per minute per channel.
Bahrain’s international ISDN links also include Austria, Belgium, France, Denmark, Germany, UK, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
As well as providing digital communications services for households and business, ISDN also acts as a backup for IPLC (International Private Leased Circuit) service and can be used for videoconferencing. ISDN allows Internet access at up to four times the speed of an ordinary phone-line connection. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
