New telecommunications revolution on the move

The process begun by Government for the finalisation of the appropriate policies for new broadband, power line and fixed wireless access technologies which will be launched in the coming weeks," Competitiveness and Communications Minister Censu Galea said when addressing the annual conference of the Malta Communications Authority.

The one-day conference's theme was "Building the Information Society" and focused on broadband, 3G mobile and digital television. The minister dealt with various issues, including an update within the telecommunications sectors.

The communications sector in Malta is being updated continuously to reflect Malta's commitment to attaining an information-based socio-economic environment. Following important steps, such as the full liberalisation of the telecommunications industry, this drive has contributed to leading us to develop a national Information and Communication Technology (ICT) being the key for improved competitiveness and productivity growth in Europe.

Therefore the electronic communications sector has a strategic role to play in delivering innovative services that will allow the wider economy and society as a whole to realise the benefits of the Information Society.

A new strategy for:

Broadband. Today Malta has a broadband penetration level of 7.7%, exceeding that of the newly enlarged, which stands at 6.1%.

The final draft of the National Broadband Strategy for Malta, drawn up jointly by the Malta Communications Authority within the Ministry for Competitiveness and Communications and the Ministry for Information Technology and Investment, was presented to the National Information Society Advisory Council last month following a period of public consultation.

The final version of the National Broadband Strategy has been forwarded to the EU Commission. This will be in advance of the Commission's own communication on the same subject, which is expected to be presented at this month's European Union Telecommunications Council.

Government is already considering the appropriate policies for new broadband technologies - power line and fixed wireless access. In fact, with reference to fixed wireless access, the spectrum is already available for multiple fixed wireless access operators.

In the coming weeks the Ministry for Competitiveness and Communications will be publishing a policy document outlining the spectrum allocation methodology, number of operators, spectrum pricing and rollout conditions.

Digital broadcasting. Four companies have already expressed an interest in launching digital terrestrial TV operations in Malta. A policy document will be published by Government shortly for public comment.

Third generation mobile telephony. Local mobile telephony operators are now firmly committed to the transition to 3G. When dealing with the possibility of considering a third mobile operator licence in 2004 it does not make sense to licence a third 2G operator. Bearing in mind the future transition, it is preferable that the licensee would embark straight away within a 3G framework, the minister said.

The continuous development and changes in technologies in the telecommunications sector present challenges which have to be addressed by a number of stakeholders, including central and local government, the national regulatory authority, private industry and civil society. It is therefore our responsibility to ensure a fair and competitive market, which achieves a balance between the interests of consumers and those of the investor, Mr Galea said.