Egypt and South Africa have surged to the top of Group B in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following standout performances from Mohamed Salah and Khanyisa Foster. The latest matches, held in Cairo on Thursday, highlighted their determination to secure key points in the ongoing tournament.
Bahrain Becomes First GCC Nation to Approve Satellite-to-Phone Services
MANAMA: Bahrain has become the first country in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to officially approve satellite-to-phone communication services, marking a major milestone in the region’s digital and telecommunications development.
The approval allows mobile users to connect directly to satellites without traditional cell towers, enhancing connectivity during emergencies and in remote or hard-to-reach areas.
What Satellite-to-Phone Services Mean
Satellite-to-phone technology enables smartphones to:
send emergency messages without mobile coverage
connect directly to low-Earth orbit satellites
maintain communication during natural disasters
improve network resilience and national security
The move positions Bahrain as a regional leader in next-generation telecom innovation.
Regulatory Approval and Partnerships
Bahrain’s telecommunications regulator approved the service following successful technical trials and compliance checks. Officials confirmed the rollout will occur in phases, with partnerships involving global satellite operators and mobile service providers.
A government spokesperson said:
“This approval reflects Bahrain’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies that ensure connectivity for all citizens, even in critical situations.”
Regional and Global Impact
Expertsғай note that Bahrain’s decision could set a precedent for other GCC states, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar, to follow suit.
Satellite-to-phone services are increasingly viewed as essential infrastructure, especially for:
emergency response systems
maritime and aviation sectors
disaster preparedness
remote workforce connectivity
Benefits for Consumers and Businesses
For users, the service promises seamless communication during outages, while businesses benefit from improved reliability in logistics, energy, and transportation sectors.
Technology analysts say Bahrain’s early adoption could attract further foreign investment into its digital economy.
Conclusion
By approving satellite-to-phone services, Bahrain has taken a historic step in modern telecommunications, becoming the first GCC nation to enable direct satellite connectivity for mobile users. The development signals a transformative shift in how communication networks operate across the Gulf region.
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