Telecommunications and Space Science

Pioneering Digital and Celestial Ambitions

How is the Kingdom of Bahrain advancing in both digital connectivity and space science? The Kingdom’s journey in telecommunication and space exploration exemplifies a vision that is firmly rooted in innovation and a devoted commitment to the future.

Leading Telecommunication for a Connected Kingdom

Bahrain has set itself distinctively as a regional leader by maintaining a fully liberalized telecommunication market since 2002, cultivating an environment renowned for its openness and competitiveness. This liberalization has driven broad access to high-speed internet nationwide, supported by both fixed and mobile broadband infrastructure. Notably, Bahrain offers these essential services at some of the region’s most affordable rates, making robust digital connectivity accessible to every citizen.

National Policy and Institutional Framework

As mandated by the Fourth National Telecommunications Plan, BNET was established as an independent entity to deliver world‑class, accessible connectivity across the Kingdom. Its mandate is to provide equitable, reliable fiber infrastructure at fair prices, driving digital inclusion, accelerating telecom sector growth, and contributing to Bahrain’s economic development and quality of life.

The Kingdom’s National Telecommunication Plan is the main framework that outlines the strategic vision for the sector, ensuring that national objectives align with global technological trends, particularly those driven by the digital economy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications (MTT) oversees Bahrain’s telecommunications sector under the national telecommunications law and leads the development of the National Telecommunication Plan. The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) regulates the sector, ensures fair competition, safeguards consumer interests, and fosters an innovative, investment‑friendly environment that reinforces Bahrain’s leadership in global communications.

5G and Beyond

Bahrain was the first country to achieve 100% 5G network coverage by 2021. This achievement represents more than enhanced internet speeds—it enables the adoption of advanced ICT solutions such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine communications, signaling a new era for connectivity and innovation.

International recognition highlights Bahrain’s telecommunications excellence. The Kingdom of Bahrain has been consistently ranked among the top ten globally in the ICT Development Index (IDI) for the years 2023, 2024, and 2025  reflecting a robust digital infrastructure capable of supporting next-generation technologies. Bahrain is ranked 1st globally in 5G deployment and network coverage index 2022, which reflects the Kingdom’s advanced ICT infrastructure, and particularly, the 5G services.

Key National Milestones

• First GCC country to adopt cloud technology in the public sector and a nationwide ‘cloud-first’ policy.
• Ranked 1st globally for digital literacy and network infrastructure according to the 2021 Inclusive Internet Index.
• Ranked 1st globally for 5G deployment and network coverage.
• Founding member of the Digital Cooperation Organization, dedicated to digital prosperity and collaborative progress.
• Elected to the International Telecommunications Union Council in 2022 and committed to the ITU Partner to Connect Global Coalition.
• Achieved national 5G download speeds exceeding 2Gbps by 2020.
• Bahrain's Sixth National Telecommunications Plan (2023-2026) has been recognized with the United Nations' 2024 World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prize
• Bahrain ranks 1st in MENA/GCC on the Global Network Excellence Index (2025)

Promoting Consumer Protection and Engagement

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) is dedicated to promoting competition, ensuring affordable and high-quality services, and protecting consumer rights. Citizens can access immediate support through the TRA’s Consumer Portal, raise disputes, and submit feedback via the Consumer Contact Centre (call: 81188).

Reaching Beyond the Atmosphere: Bahrain’s Space Science Vision

Bahrain’s ambitions extend beyond terrestrial boundaries, marking its entry into space science with the establishment of the Bahrain Space Agency (BSA) in 2014. Guided by a vision for international prominence and sustainable development, the BSA fosters space awareness, develops national expertise, supports innovation, and contributes to a knowledge-driven economy.

Foundational Initiatives and International Collaboration

The BSA’s milestones include the construction, launch, and operation of nanosatellites to build national capacities and stimulate research & development in space science. The agency established a laboratory for space data analysis and a ground station for Earth observation satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Bahrain’s First Satellite "Al Munther"

The Kingdom of Bahrain has successfully launched its first domestically designed and built satellite, "Al Munther". This historic achievement marks a significant milestone in Bahrain’s journey towards becoming a regional leader in space technology and innovation. The launch of "Al Munther" marks the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing its capabilities in space science and technology, while showcasing the expertise of Bahraini engineers and scientists.

"Al Munther" is equipped with advanced technological payloads, including a medium-resolution space camera (20 meters/pixel) designed to capture high-quality images of Bahrain and its territorial waters, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system capable of real-time image analysis, making "Al Munther" the first nanosatellite in the region to incorporate such advanced AI capabilities.

Other space science initiatives include:

• Light-1: The first Emirati-Bahraini 3U CubeSat (2021).
• Aman Payload Project: Recognized by the UNOOSA-MBRSC Payload Hosting Initiative, enhancing satellite data security with advanced encryption.
• 813 Project: A regional Earth Observation satellite led by the UAE, with Bahrain contributing to the design and operation of a hyperspectral microsatellite.
• Lunar and International Missions: Bahrain’s signing of the Artemis Accords paves the way for lunar exploration. The Bahrain-Egypt team is developing a hyperspectral camera for China’s Chang’e-7 mission to explore the Moon’s South Pole in 2026.

Sustainable Development and Data Innovation

BSA’s “Sustainability” program uses remote sensing and AI to address environmental challenges and contribute to Bahrain’s net-zero commitments. The BSA’s Satellite Images & Data Analysis Laboratory achieved a 42% increase in project developments and a 167% surge in service demand in 2023, highlighting the Kingdom’s expanding expertise in space applications.