Malta outline plans to introduce 3G

February 28, 2005

Following an extensive consultation process initiated last year, the Maltese Government has now defined its policy direction in relation to new wireless technologies such as 3G mobile telephony, broadband wireless access (BWA) and digital terrestrial television and radio.

As the agency tasked with the implementation of these policies, the MCA is publishing a comprehensive document giving details of the policy relating to each technology, the strategy that will be employed in each case as well as the operational processes and timelines involved. The MCA has also published a report on consultation for each of the three policy areas.

Making available spectrum for 3G mobile telephony will potentially attract new operators to the sector, spurring increased competition and market growth. The strategy foresees spectrum availability for three operators, thus providing opportunities for possible new entrants to compete with established players. 3G mobile technology can deliver telephony, video calls, high speed Internet access, streaming music and video and sophisticated location based services. A nationwide rollout will have to be completed within 5 years from the date rights of use of spectrum are assigned.

In the coming days, the MCA will issue calls for applications that will initiate the processes leading to the assignment of rights of use of spectrum. Following an assessment of demand for the frequencies available for use by each technology, should a competitive process be required, this will take place in a comparative manner via beauty contests. In all cases, the spectrum assignment processes should be completed by mid-2005.