MCA suggests tougher measures to safeguard international connectivity

The operators of public communication networks which include international connections should be required to secure adequate reserve capacity on alternative network elements, the Malta Communications Authority has proposed in draft regulations issued today.

The draft regulations were issued for public consultation in the wake of the disruption caused when a cable linking Malta to Sicily failed on August 6.

The MCA said it is proposing that the new regulations should oblige operators to ensure the integrity, security and resiliency of their international connection. Moreover, international gateway operators are to be required to negotiate in good faith with other international gateway operators who could seek to obtain capacity for the purpose of meeting such obligations.

The MCA is also proposing that it should be empowered to issue guidelines to operators to take the necessary measures to ensure the continuity of the operation of their international link.

The MCA said it was important that operators providing such critical infrastructure had a contingency pla and it should be able to impose such a plan.

Such a plan would identify the critical assets upon which continuity of operation was dependent, the risks to these assets, the potential impact of incidents and the identification of counter-measures and procedures.

The authority said it should also be empowered to require independent audits of measures put in place to secure continuity of operations of international connectivity.

The authority said it was critical that it was alerted upon confirmation of an incident and it should be empowered to require information on developments so that it could facilitate and ensure the earliest possible restoration of normal operations.

It also had to be given the right to request relevant information from operators to enable it to investigate incidents.

Since such information could be commercially sensitive, the authority was proposing that it should be required to ensure the confidentiality of such information.

However, it could request the publication of such information to ensure that subscribers and users made informed choices regarding the provision of international services.

Comments may be sent to the MCA, Valletta Waterfront, Pinto Wharf, Floriana, FRN 1913 or e-mailed at info@mca.org.mt by September 9.