Telecom Seminar on the Impact of Technology held Batelco hosted a Labour Market Observatory (LMO) seminar at Batelco’s Staff Centre in Hamala. It focused on the LMO’s efforts to research how technologies impact Bahrain’s Labour market and was held under the theme of the Impact of Technology on the Workplace: Implications for Education and Training. The event featured a keynote speech by Geoff Stead, a world thought leader on how new technology can be used to enhance learning and communications. The seminar was opened by Batelco Head of Human Resources and Union Relations Shaikh Bader Al Khalifa who welcomed the invited participants that were representing a number of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s education and training authorities and establishments. Following the speeches, the attendees formed small working groups to further discuss the ways that education and training should evolve in line with the evolution of technology in the workplace. Zain releases Q3 Financial Results Zain Bahrain announced its results for the first nine months of <strong>2016</strong>. The operator posted a net profit of BD3.05 million (US$8.07 million) for the ninemonth period compared to BD3.41 million (US$9.02 million) for the corresponding period in 2015, representing a reduction by 10.5%. For the three months to September <strong>2016</strong>, the net profit amounted to BD1.20 million (US$3.17 million), as Zain Bahrain’s customer base edged closer to the one million milestone number. This third quarter net profit is a 10.4% dip from the BD1.34 million (US$3.54 million) earned during the same period last year, but a 30% HE Shaikh Ahmed bin Ali Al Khalifa Chairman, Zain Bahrain jump from the BD926,000 (US$2.45 million) earned in the second quarter of <strong>2016</strong> due to an increase in revenue. The company’s EBITDA margin was relatively stable at a healthy 37.4%. Commenting on the financials, Zain Bahrain Chairman, His Excellency Shaikh Ahmed bin Ali Al Khalifa, said: “We recorded a total of 969,000 customers at the close of the third quarter, a 19% surge from 814,000 at the same time last year, on the back of continued investment in our 4G LTE network, the most technically advanced in Bahrain, and the bringing to market of innovative new products. We are pleased to report these record breaking subscriber numbers despite an exceedingly challenging market. We are confident that our focus on excellence, innovation and best in class customer experience will continue to create a superior service for our customers and increased value for shareholders.” Batelco achieves Avaya Platinum Certification Batelco, Bahrain’s leading digital communications solutions provider, has been awarded the Platinum Certified Partner status by Avaya. This certification by Avaya recognizes Batelco’s commitment, investment, experience and also its dedication to customer satisfaction. Batelco is now an authorized Service Provider at the Platinum certification level for Avaya Products and Solutions. In addition to its recognition for expertise in solution sales, design, implementation and advance troubleshooting, Batelco has also earned Solution Expert Specializations in Enterprise Unified Communications, Mid-Market Unified Communications and Networking. Furthermore, Avaya has also awarded Batelco with the ‘Partner in Customer Excellence’ accolade, based on Batelco’s superior customer satisfaction as indicated by a high score achieved in a customer survey. Batelco Bahrain CEO Eng. Muna Al Hashemi said that Batelco has an ongoing commitment in providing the best-in-class solutions for its customers to support their efforts to grow and optimise their businesses. “To earn the Platinum certification, Batelco was required to meet a number of competency requirements set forth by Avaya including service, support, customer satisfaction and networking. This would not have been possible without the diligent efforts of many teams at Batelco who continue to prioritise the requirements of our business customers,” she said. Batelco Chief Marketing Officer, Mike Stanford, said that the Platinum certification authorises Batelco to offer design services and support Muna Al Hashemi CEO, Batelco for numerous business systems and associated peripheral equipment, to end user companies. “The Avaya Platinum certification is an industry recognized accreditation which indicates that Batelco has met rigorous criteria to ensure superior technical competency and also has the ability to deliver best-in-class customer service and support,” added Mr. Stanford. 62 <strong>November</strong> <strong>2016</strong>
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