Regulatory Compliance News

Bahrain TRA Opens Frequency Spectrum for Next-Generation Wi-Fi 7 Hardware

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of the Kingdom of Bahrain officially updated its radio frequency technical specifications to authorize next-generation Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) technologies. This regulatory update builds upon previous decisions that opened the lower 6 GHz spectrum (5925–6425 MHz), establishing Bahrain as one of the early adopters in the Middle East to formalize Type Approval operational rules for high-throughput Wi-Fi 7 hardware. By expanding permitted channel bandwidths up to 320 MHz and supporting 4096-QAM modulation alongside Multi-Link Operation (MLO), the TRA aims to enhance wireless network capacity, lower latency, and accommodate rising gigabit data demands for residential, enterprise, and industrial IoT deployments across the country.

Under the technical specifications, Wi-Fi 7 devices operating in the 5925–6425 MHz band must comply with defined power limits and operational constraints to prevent harmful interference with primary incumbent systems. Low Power Indoor (LPI) access points and client hardware are capped at a maximum Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (E.I.R.P.) of 23 dBm, while Very Low Power (VLP) portable devices operating across both indoor and outdoor environments are restricted to 14 dBm E.I.R.P. Compliance requirements maintain structural alignment with European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) standards, specifically requiring laboratory test reports demonstrating adherence to ETSI EN 303 687 for 6 GHz radio performance, alongside established standards ETSI EN 300 328 for 2.4 GHz and ETSI EN 301 893 for 5 GHz frequency bands.

The authorization of Wi-Fi 7 hardware introduces direct compliance steps for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), authorized local representatives, and importers targeting the Bahraini market. To legally import, distribute, or market Wi-Fi 7-enabled access points, routers, laptops, or mobile electronics, suppliers must obtain a mandatory TRA Type Approval certificate. The certification process requires submitting complete technical construction files, RED-compliant CE test reports, and a valid Declaration of Conformity (DoC) through a locally registered entity holding a Commercial Registration Number (CRN). Issued TRA certificates remain valid for three years, and all commercial shipments must secure an official TRA Import Permit / No Objection Certificate (NOC) prior to customs clearance at ports of entry.