Batelco’s New Packages, My View
Below is the text of one of the many emails and SMS messeges I have been getting throughout the past couple of weeks:
Boycott Batelco wrote:
Hello mohammedcan you please support us by writing about this and spreading the word
http://www.boycottbatelco.com/
Needless to say, whoever sent the email (through the contact me section of the blog) was connected through Batelco, I just felt like tracing the IP around not that I doubted it for one second.
Anyway, a lot have been going around the island after the latest announcement of the new rates by Batelco, (detailed here).
I personally believe it’s a good thing, well.. maybe good isn’t the right word to use here but I tell you, I am a decent law-abiding Bahraini citizen who has been paying his dues to batelco in full on monthly basis for the past couple of years, and lived along through the shitty service at East Riffa, the continuous disconnection and even the extremely slow transfer rate (by slow I mean 2-5k max).
On the desk to my right at work, is a typical Bahraini “Bandwidth Abuser” (I just invented that term). The guy pays around 2 BD for a monthly connection, not only that he uses and abuses the damn thing, and even supplies me with movies and such he continuously downloads night and day.
You see, it seriously pisses the hell out of me to see those villages with all those tangeling network wires connecting one house to another, which is just broad daylight robbery. And it is just absolutely ridiculous that some Mawatim (a congregation hall for Shia ritual ceremonies) that are getting a 2mb connection are renting it off to the entire village, in full support of the idea.
Frankly speaking, 15GB is way more than what I and my family require (my sources at Batelco tell me that I have been averaging 6GB of Bandwidth throughout the past 3 months) and I count myself a medium internet user, as in.. It’s always a couple of full divx movies, a constant flow of MP3’s for the car.. In addition to heavy news browsing and obviously this lovely blog I maintain.
The connection is way faster now (I have been downloading at speeds that exceed 180 KBPS), those Bandwidth Abusers were stealing my precious Bandwidth that I was paying for! I am more than happy with my new service, and my new speed.
But let’s just call things by what they are, Bateclo did reduce the internet prices as promised.. Maybe not as low as the surrounding countries and not as low as what we expected them to be, but boycotting Batelco is the last that should be on my mind if I was seriously affected by the new limited packages, they sure as hell can spare my 40 BD.
but consider this mohd…
what happens next year when instead of divx the new standard is HD video which is 3 times larger… what do you do when 2 years from now all websites are video enabled.. instead MP3 higher bitrate AAC will become the standard.. all these things will not only double but exponentially increase the usage of an average user such as yourself. trust me that batelco packages are here to stay… they will not be revised in 3 or 4 years…
The point is, if you average 6GB, then it doesn’t harm batelco to give you unlimited usage because you’re only using 6GB. But if they restrict you to 6GB, you shouldn’t say that’s okay because it’s my usage.. you should always have a right to change your usage behavior
I am sorry to hear this form you Mahmood.
I will till you something, I believe Internet must be free.
Mahmood maybe you are not living in Bahrain. Let take an example:
A Bahraini Family their income BD 200 with 3 boys and all of them students.
Their Expenses
Batelco Internet BD 40.000
Batelco Cell phone BD 10.000 minimum
Batelco Fixed line BD 10.000
So they have to pay for Batelco BD 60.000
Internet is very important for Education
Fixed line & cell Phone is very important for communication.
I think you want them to pay all their income to Batelco.
I think you have to read more about the new package.
And we do not neeeeeeeed your support.
I still strongly believe that 15 GB is more than what a heavy internet user needs, I have been downloading games, movies, MP3’s sharing a connection with my younger brother who is also an internet geek, and my limit didn’t even reach half that amount. Now, It is absolutely ridiculous that we make such a huge fuss about the new package prices without even studying our needs, knowing how much we spend and how much we require. Is it really a question of the 15 GB or whatever? Or is it the fact that there is a limit in the first place..?
Batelco’s prices might not be the best in the region, not that this is a new thing.. the 40 BD has been the fixed price for the past god knows how long.. Now.. If you were stealing my precious bandwidth and paying peanuts for that and now that you are cornered by Batelco’s latest restrictions.. That really isn’t my problem!
Hussain:
Internet should be free, true.. I would have to agree with that.. dialup should be in every house.. But.. Not Broadband.. I don’t want to pay my 40BD and share my limited bandwidth with a 200 dinar earning man with 3 kids that can’t even plan his life straight.
Frankly speaking, a huge percentage of Bahrain was illegally using the internet, the issue of the prices is not new, it has only floated up to the service now that Batelco brought up a solution.
I am all for lower prices, 100% against illegal sharing and villages bandwidth broad-daylight thievery.
God bless you emoodz, finally someone with some common sense!
villages bandwidth broad-daylight thievery.
Thank you, since you clearly viewed you upper view to other people.
or lets say it….
to different people and belives….
Who said that Soni peoples dosent have sahre networks between the homes around the country
tell me city boy … and I will give the locations.
ok lets not turn this issue into a fight of sinna and shi’a, rich and poor…
I have been a Batelco customer since they existed as we all are and I have been paying the 40 BD fully.. but that doesn’t mean that everyone can afford paying that amount.. if u consider those people idiots or whatever for not planning their life right then fine blame them, but dont take it out on their kids who can grow to be much better than their parents..
ok after pointing that out lets get to the real issue.. it’s true internet shud be free but that is never gonna happen. so lets not dream of that.. bahrainis are the only ppl in the whole gulf region who pay for electricity, water, phone and internat connections, and everything else in life.. other countries enjoy a million amazing offers. some of them don’t even have to pay electricity like qatar.. batelco is a very high profit company, loosening a bit on us and making prices better isn’t really gonna hurt them… the things is we cannot boycott batelco.. why? cause we have no other alternative! it’s either batelco or live with no internet , and i dont think there’s anyone who could live without internet..
but in order to reach our goal and in order for batelco to lower their prices and have some consideration for the ppl then we have to try.. i’m not in bahrain at the moment so thats gonna be easy for me. use internet cafes when u really need to use the internet, forget the downloads and all that for a couple of months and maybe things will change.
i dunno if i made sense but i just want things to change cause its about time..
AlFardan:
I think what I said was pretty clear, “I am all for lower prices, 100% against illegal sharing and villages bandwidth broad-daylight thievery.”
Now, if you wish to ignore my entire post and reply on one single part of a sentence I said to make it an issue of sinna and shia (where it is obviously not) that’s your call really. The bottom line is, it doesn’t matter whether it was a sinni shia or a bloody red Indian that is sharing his connection with the entire neighborhood, they are affecting other people who pay their dues on a monthly basis, we have limited bandwidth (and please don’t start nagging about this, its really a regional issue) and there is really no room for abusers.
And stealing is stealing; please don’t turn this into a Robin Hood dilemma and justifying it.
Hanadi:
40 Dinars is too much you say? How about the 30 Dinars one? Still too much? Is the 15 Dinars package still too much too?! Remember we are talking about broadband internet here, not dialup (where you can pay as you use).
You see the thing we are all missing here is that, there is really no such thing as unlimited internet bandwidth (most companies do have a fair usage policy, others who don’t –like those new in the region are in fact in the process of introducing such a thing, take orbit for example- another thing, its unfair to compare batelco’s prices to the UK and the US; for obvious reasons; instead please do have a look at the prices in Australia here (the Exchange rate is 0.29 against the BHD, 0.757 against the USD); you will notice not much difference.
Now, as for the boycott; I am entirely against such form of protest. We are in a much more better position than to make our point through not using the internet or switching off our mobiles. Batelco made it clear that the door is always open for suggestions and I really don’t think that it will carry out any law to intentionally harm the customer; the CE personally promised to review the prices before the end of a two months probation period, let’s just wait and see.
I think I have said all I have on this issue.. Thanks for your time everyone!
Away from the Batelco issue which I do not find amusing the least, I find your reply pretty amusing.
I quote:
“and share my limited bandwidth with a 200 dinar earning man with 3 kids that can’t even plan his life straight.”
Are you serious? Why do you think you have the right to belittle and look down upon people because they earn 200? Why do you think you can judge him that he “cannot plan his life straight?” I’m sorry, but I see no necessity for this poor-rich mockery. I really would love to see a little bit more respect for people regardless of their payslip. The man who serves you tea can deserve more respect than you do. And if you ask me, I think people should get their own tea, anyway.
You guys dont know what ur talking about! i support emoodz 100%! we bahrainis are spoiled and want everything easy and cheap like we see in our neighbouring GCC countries! too bad life isn’t that way! It is a proven fact that when many ppl are using the internet on an ADSL protocol, it slows it down for other ppl. So why should a person paying as little as 2 BD per month for internet get the same benefits a person thats paying 25 BD (or 30 or 40) per month gets? what u ignorant fools dont knw is that the way batelco set its new packages is the same way it is done in all developed countries. All internet companies world wide in developed countires like the UK, Australia, USA, and Canada put a limit on the Internet so that, like emoodz said, ppl wont abuse it by making big networks like the ones we have in bahraini villages. There is one aspect that i dont agree with in batelcos new decision that is the 10fils/mb after the threshold is over. An alternative thing they should do is leave the threshold unlimited but reduce the speed significantly to a dial up speed (56K). In that way ppl that are on a network will find it impossible to even check their e-mails. Trust me i studied sound engineering and communication overseas. I’ve seen how these foreign companies do their business and we should learn from them.
Mohsin, this is what Batelco ACTUALLY does! people think they will be charged 1000s of BD for exceeding the threshold, it was CLEARLY mentioned that people won’t be overcharged and the worst case scenario is that they will be charged BD10 extra (for 1 GB extra download) and then the speed WILL drop to 64k and continue using it without additional charges. This -as explained to me by the Internet helpdesk people when I called them- will be the default… UNLESS, see people wanna hear what they wanna hear and not anything else, there are three options to go for which YOU have the power to chose by calling them and setting that rule..
1)”and default” you get charged UPTO 10 BD extra (or 1GB extra) and speed drops to 64 K once you reach that limit.
2)you can choose that once you exausht your free GB allowance to have the speed dropped to 64k immediately WITHOUT any additional charges or…
3)if you’re filthy rich YOU and only YOU can choose to keep the option of getting charged 10fils/extra MB open, so you pay as you use.
I thank you people for having some common sense, and shame on the rest who want to -for their own benefit- make it a racial, religious or social issue.
I say Mohsin that you don’t know what you are talking about either. I do not care about neighbour GCC: Kuwait, UAE or Saudi or even Yemen for that matter. I don’t remember ever hearing of an Internet connection that is more expensive than 100 USD a month for some LIMITED bandwidth. If you did, enlighten me.
Look guys i’m bahraini student studying in Malaysia. Here we have 1 Mbps for less than 9 dinars. I believe that the new packages are indeed beneficial to alot of people in Bahrain. I myself do not download that much but i must say that comments such as Bahrainis are “spoiled and want everything easy and cheap” are just sad. We have been brought in Bahrian to not question ppl in power. To accept our fate. Well thats just pathetic. Ppl have a right to their opinion. Another point that neeed to be cleare illegal users are a “small minority” as said by Batelco’s CEO himself link(http://boycottbatelco.com/?p=4). Now i believe that bahrain cannot advance with a monopolistic economy. Batelco has long been the sole provider of fixed line internet oppossed to satellite internet and they have greatly benefited from this monopoly. Is it so sinful for ppl to ask for more. Ppl seem to forget that customers should work as the catalyst for change. We need to step up and embrace technology not limit it. Yes 15 GB might be enough for the majority but that doesnt mean its right. It just means that the majority wont be hurt. Batelco can provide cheaper faster internet. It is one of the best companies in the middles east with operations in jordan, bahrain, saudi n more. We need to stop portraying batelco as the devil and stop portraying those who oppose this change as stupid idiots that are spoiled. Bahraini have the lowest wages in all of the GCC countries. Things are moving forward for ppl but batelco by this move is limiting creativity. With technologies such VoIP n Online DVD shopping the new packages limit the usage of users to new technologies n keeps them trapped in the past. I must agree ppl should not be sharing the internet and those who were should have been stopped. But having a limitation on the internet would only hinder advancement in bahrain. One last thing. IT IS OUR RIGHT TO ASK FOR MORE. Batelco has been unchallenged for decades n has been making millions it is only our right as customer to demand more. I hope that one day the surrendering mentality in bahrainis will fade away. It just sad when a person is called “spoiled” just because he is asking for a little more.
well salman, you seem sensible, as a company, I do respect Batelco but what they have done to the internet is not right, however, the illegal network sharing people are to blame and those who use residential lines for business use!
One thing I am with Batelco regarding this, and get me right, I am not with them 100% but I do understand where they are coming from, regardless from all the other issues, what I want to stress out here is the legal system we have in Bahrain and, IMHO, is what I THINK personally is why Batelco opted for the easier solution and that is to impose a limit.
Networks are illegal, Batelco’s terms and conditions which all agreed to clearly states that, but do people listen? no they don’t, and went on to build those networks anyways, now, Batelco’s terms also allows home networks.
so to the point, if Batelco wants to legally charge these people, they will find a million alternatives to go around it, plus the legal system itself is a joke, it would take weeks, months or even years to settle a very simple case, the costs incurred will be more than whatever compensation would be agreed on. That is my personal view on why Batelco imposed that limit. Now again, I am not with them 100%, but as emoodz mentioned, it’s those network abusers who caused the punishment to be enforced amongst us full payers, plus for me, if I stop downloading illegal movies and games, the 15 GB will be good enough for my other needs.
في الواقع السالفة لها بعد مؤامراتي فالنت اصبح وسيلة خطيرة للتواصل ويفضح الجرائم منها جرائم الحكومة على ا لهواء مباشرة وينشر الأخبار فلهذا السبب أرادت بتلكو رفع الأسعار وتخفيض نسبة مستخدمي النت في البحرين حتى ما يلعب دوره في الأزمات كإزمة البندر غيت وأتوقع أن تعاود بتلكو محاولات خفض نسبة مستخدمي النت برفع الإسعار أو أي خطط أخرى
للحكاية بعد مؤامراتي فنية بتلكو التي تؤدي لخفض مستخدمي النت تتعارض مع المصرح به من الحكومة الألكترونية والتعليم الإلكتروني بس السالفة فيها مؤمرات
وبتلكو هي الحرامية الكبيرة أحتكار وبوق من الناس المساكين
Batelco lies about the internet speed
Check this case:
I called Batelco inet serivce and I talked to one the seniors in Customer relations.
I asked him if the speed is slow with adsl 40 BD one.
he said, no.
I said I tested the speed on several speed check sites and all are saying very slow.
He said you check with our site for speed.
I said I already did do that and said that the speed is Perfect.
He said what it is.
I said how come all the other sites say it’s slow.
he Said “we” don’t support these sites. (What does that mean?)
…so I said …If I buy 1 KG of Fish from the market for 2.00 BD.
and I go home and weigh it and say 1/2 KG….I then go Mr. Friend…and weigh there and Says 1/2 KG….
Then I do the same for 5 others…all saying 1/2 KG.
He said…That is not under our “Procedure”….
I said I do not care about your procedure…I want my money’s worth of the INET speed.
He kept going back to the site of Batelco….I said I do not care for that either.
He then needed time to think on what to say.
Came back and repeated more shit to me…
I said…OK do you give me speed? He said Yes.
said….What is the…he said 1 MGBS for download.
I said OK…does make a difference from USA or UK or Japan…etc…
he said Yes…I said would be slower…He said Yes.
I said OK…where will get the speed of 1 MGPS from?
He said…Bahrain.
I said OK…let do the test…
IF I upload 60 MG into Batelco Host.
And Download it…Should it take 1 Minute?
60 MG/60 Sec = 1 MBPS…Right?
he said yes…
I said let do it at your office in Batelco any time you like…I have space in a Host in Batelco servers.
He refused and accused me for “NOT Cooperating”…(?????!!!)…Hello???…what the hell is this?
Liers!!!!!
Test it yourself as many times as you like….call them 17-881188 and talk to the idiots.
email them and give them crap people please!!! helpdisk@batelco.com.bh
Email your everyone you know friend as well!!!
http://www.bandwidthplace.com/speedtest/
http://www.auditmypc.com/internet-speed-test.asp
http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/
The Problem:
Heroin Addicts in Bahrain
As you all know in Bahrain we do have this problem like the rest of world.
Statistics study showed that 1.5% of 10th and 12th graders had used heroin at least once.
It Targets Rich, Poor, young and Old…Has no Racist preferences.
It is an expensive and Self , Family and wealth.
The young Kids in Bahrain like any other country like some sort of excitement or Fun.
Driving fast cars Motor cycles…etc
So long as one uses Heroin more then once. he has a 90% that he will stay an addict for at least 1/3 of his life.
Drug users / Dealers target younger kids cause they are easier to talk to.
Now there two ways to stop this.
Keep the dealer or User away from your kids.
1) Watch your kids at that age closely (13 to 19 years say)
2) Watch your neighborhood for people that have nice cars + Talk to younger ones.
3) This is who you know that someone is drug addict.
Low weight
Talks slow
Loves Candy, Sugar…etc
Back never straight
Lies often
Generally do not look healthy
walk in a funny manner
Not healthy teeth
Problems with abdomen
==========Most likely a heroin addict ==============
How to treat Addicts.
1) Keep them away from anything you own.
2) Never lend them money (They lie…so lie to them too)
3) Never promise…always leave a subjectivity element when you have to deal with them.
Dude, seriously, are you for real ?
I mean, you’re simply saying that what Batelco had done is “fair” because “studies show that we don’t use much internet” ?
Ok, lets take a look at the “other countries in the west”:
UK: They have many ISPs to choose from, including 10 MB which Batelco does NOT have for a lower price with nearly unlimited bandwidth (It’s like 10000 GB, I dare you or anyone for that matter to cross that limit)
USA: Same case, but instead they have a 100 MB line, and I’ve seen/known people who own such a line and by the way the pay lower than we do for the “Heavy usage package”
“Finally, someone with common sense”
HA
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About Me
- Mohammed AlMaskati
East Riffa, Bahrain
I support a ONE Bahrain!
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