Melita has announced the launch of its new 4.5G mobile network, promising better coverage and internet speeds up to 200 megabits per second.

CEO Harold Rösch said the upgraded network, developed in partnership with Ericsson would be available immediately for 4.5G capable phones in the Valletta and Cottonera areas, ahead of a rollout across the country.

The service will come at no extra charge to consumers, starting with post-paid and expanding to all subscribers by September.

Mr Rosch added that the network, which is 5G ready, complemented Melita’s existing one gigabit fixed internet network, which will be available to 60 per cent in home - “unparalleled in Europe” - by the end of the year.

Ericsson Malta head Mario Bacchini described the network’s launch as a milestone in the journey to 5G, highlighting the new technology’s possible applications in different sectors.

Parliamentary secretary for the digital economy Silvio Schembri hailed the companies’ efforts to make Malta 5G-ready, which he said was in line with the government’s digital strategy and would improve citizens’ lives.

Melita also announced that it would be introducing a new mobile plan offering subscribers a flow between 3GB of mobile data or 300 minutes of calls for €15 a month, with unused allowances carried over to the following month.