The new kid on the mobile block
The owners of 3G Telecommunications Ltd, recently awarded a licence to operate as the third mobile communications company in Malta, were attracted by the local communications market, seeing a good opportunity for a third operator."M/C Venture Partners...
The owners of 3G Telecommunications Ltd, recently awarded a licence to operate as the third mobile communications company in Malta, were attracted by the local communications market, seeing a good opportunity for a third operator.
"M/C Venture Partners see the Malta telecommunications market as a highly attractive operating environment and believe there is scope for a third wireless operator," according to Robert Savignol, vice president of the firm which holds the majority shareholding in 3G Telecommunications. He is also the chairman of the Maltese company until it combines with Melita Cable, as announced last week.
The new owners of 3G Telecommunications are a venture capital firm focused exclusively on the communications, media, and information technology sectors. Over the past 25 years, the company invested over Lm600 million into almost 80 emerging companies at all stages of growth. Some of the firm's realised investments include Crowley Cellular, Triad Cellular and Telecorp.
M/C Ventures recently bought the 100 per cent shareholding in 3G Telecommunications Ltd and last month was awarded the third 3G (UMTS) mobile communication licence by the Malta Communications Authority (MCA).
This came through almost two years after Vodafone Malta and Go Mobile got their licences. At one point the original application was actually turned down.
Both Go Mobile and Vodafone Malta had expressed reservations at the viability of three mobile operators in such a small market as Malta's.
"We feel it is a very attractive market," Mr Savignol reiterated.
"Maltese consumers are very sophisticated and have demonstrated strong desire for advanced wireless services. With only two mobile network operators (MNOs) providing service, we still see a lot of opportunity in the market.
Last week Melita Cable signed a letter of intent for a "proposed transaction" with 3G Telecommunications that will enable Melita Cable to roll out Malta's third wireless communications network and offer a full suite of voice and data communications services. This will enable Melita to offer quadruple-play: fixed-line communication; mobile communication; internet access; and TV. At the moment, there is only one quadruple player - Go.
As a part of the transaction, M/C Venture Partners will acquire a minority interest in Melita Cable and fund the company's expansion alongside GMT Communications Partners, the new majority shareholders of Melita Cable, and the Gasan Group. This is still subject to final approval by the MCA.
Melita Cable has long wanted a way to enter the mobile communications market and had even started talks with a local MNO to become a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), i.e. an operator which uses the infrastructure of a major operator.
Some international industry observers say 3G is already dead and we should be looking to 4G and even more advanced technologies. However, Mr Savignol is convinced there are exciting technological developments ahead.
"I think we need to be very careful about what we are defining as a 3G and a 4G service. The licence requires us to offer access based on a UMTS standard and does not tie us to legacy equipment for that standard. Technology behind the UMTS standard is constantly evolving and we would anticipate applying the best available technology to our operating platform. Furthermore, we anticipate updating our platform in step with the product roadmap of our suppliers."
One of these technologies is WiMax, which will be used to roll out broadband wireless access (BWA) in Malta. Vodafone Malta is already providing this service while the two other licensees Go Mobile and Cellcom are expected to launch soon.
Melita Cable has already expressed an interest in providing BWA access. While Malta's communication sector continues to evolve, the latest newcomer is confident of leaving its mark.
"We're very excited to begin what we believe will be a long and successful relationship with the Maltese government and our local business partners," he concluded.
"M/C Venture Partners see the Malta telecommunications market as a highly attractive operating environment and believe there is scope for a third wireless operator," according to Robert Savignol, vice president of the firm which holds the majority shareholding in 3G Telecommunications. He is also the chairman of the Maltese company until it combines with Melita Cable, as announced last week.
The new owners of 3G Telecommunications are a venture capital firm focused exclusively on the communications, media, and information technology sectors. Over the past 25 years, the company invested over Lm600 million into almost 80 emerging companies at all stages of growth. Some of the firm's realised investments include Crowley Cellular, Triad Cellular and Telecorp.
M/C Ventures recently bought the 100 per cent shareholding in 3G Telecommunications Ltd and last month was awarded the third 3G (UMTS) mobile communication licence by the Malta Communications Authority (MCA).
This came through almost two years after Vodafone Malta and Go Mobile got their licences. At one point the original application was actually turned down.
Both Go Mobile and Vodafone Malta had expressed reservations at the viability of three mobile operators in such a small market as Malta's.
"We feel it is a very attractive market," Mr Savignol reiterated.
"Maltese consumers are very sophisticated and have demonstrated strong desire for advanced wireless services. With only two mobile network operators (MNOs) providing service, we still see a lot of opportunity in the market.
Last week Melita Cable signed a letter of intent for a "proposed transaction" with 3G Telecommunications that will enable Melita Cable to roll out Malta's third wireless communications network and offer a full suite of voice and data communications services. This will enable Melita to offer quadruple-play: fixed-line communication; mobile communication; internet access; and TV. At the moment, there is only one quadruple player - Go.
As a part of the transaction, M/C Venture Partners will acquire a minority interest in Melita Cable and fund the company's expansion alongside GMT Communications Partners, the new majority shareholders of Melita Cable, and the Gasan Group. This is still subject to final approval by the MCA.
Melita Cable has long wanted a way to enter the mobile communications market and had even started talks with a local MNO to become a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), i.e. an operator which uses the infrastructure of a major operator.
Some international industry observers say 3G is already dead and we should be looking to 4G and even more advanced technologies. However, Mr Savignol is convinced there are exciting technological developments ahead.
"I think we need to be very careful about what we are defining as a 3G and a 4G service. The licence requires us to offer access based on a UMTS standard and does not tie us to legacy equipment for that standard. Technology behind the UMTS standard is constantly evolving and we would anticipate applying the best available technology to our operating platform. Furthermore, we anticipate updating our platform in step with the product roadmap of our suppliers."
One of these technologies is WiMax, which will be used to roll out broadband wireless access (BWA) in Malta. Vodafone Malta is already providing this service while the two other licensees Go Mobile and Cellcom are expected to launch soon.
Melita Cable has already expressed an interest in providing BWA access. While Malta's communication sector continues to evolve, the latest newcomer is confident of leaving its mark.
"We're very excited to begin what we believe will be a long and successful relationship with the Maltese government and our local business partners," he concluded.