Go launches HD TV trial

Go yesterday launched official trials for its high-definition TV service and announced plans for its own movie channel.

The group's customers already enjoy HD TV over a fibre-to-the-home connection.

Go's stores will be showcasing the HD TV offering over the next few weeks as customers may register their interest in HD TV by visiting www.go.com.mt. A Sony 32-inch LCD TV has been tied in to registration as a prize.

"The gradual roll-out of HD TV is in line with the recent statements made by the company's board that approved the initial phases of an important investment programme which has started this year," chief executive officer David Kay said yesterday.

"Through this investment programme, Go is rolling out next generation networks, in the fixed network through which broadband internet is provided and through which other applications will be provided in the near future, as well as in the mobile network."

Mr Kay said Go has started deploying a fibre network to the home in conjunction with the wider upgrading of the current network, specifically in the last mile towards the users, with the installation of new cabinets which provide higher internet and data speeds. Go was the first communications and entertainment provider in Malta to launch a new generation HD-ready set-top box.

During the trial period, Go will be showcasing a selection of HD channels, covering different genres such as entertainment, sports, documentaries, and music. An initial commercial launch is earmarked for selected areas in the summer.

Go is in the throes of implementing major investment in its core TV infrastructure in view of the added requirements resulting from the transmission of the English Premier League and Italian Serie A from next season.

Microsoft sponsors Cen-Cenelec meeting

Microsoft Malta is the main sponsor of the sixth CEN-CENELEC annual meeting which is to be hosted for the first time in Malta by the Malta Standards Authority between June 1 and 3.

CEN and CENELEC are the major European standardisation bodies recognised by the European Commission and the European Telecommunication Standards Institute. Themed "From the Lisbon Agenda to the future of the European standardisation system', the meeting is expected to address around 250 local and international delegates who will convene for this event to discuss various aspects of how the European standardisation system responded to the Lisbon Agenda during the last decade and how it expects to respond to EU2020, the next 10-year strategy for social and economic development.