Melita today referred to the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority's announcement that it was carrying an in-depth investigation on its integration with Vodafone Malta saying this was an expected step and it would continue to fully cooperate with the authority.

Melita said that, if approved, the merger would have multiple beneficial effects for consumers as well as for the Maltese economy at large.

"Consumers will have real competition and choice in the market for converged bundles combining Melita’s superfast fixed internet, TV and telephony together with superior mobile coverage on Vodafone’s network. Melita is also fully committed to delivering European ‘best in class’ standards of customer service."

It said the combined entity would have the scale to challenge the incumbent operator and would be able to quickly expand its telecommunication infrastructure. This would lead Malta to become a European leader in very high-speed mobile and fixed broadband network coverage.