Melita eyes nation-wide Wi-Fi network
Melita’s chief operations officer Ludolf Rasterhoff with a chart of internet broadband speeds in Malta and Europe.
Melita is considering covering Malta with a seamless Wi-Fi network across all the territory so that internet users can benefit from the same speeds they have at home and enjoy their home broadband experience outdoors.
In an exclusive interview with i-Tech, Melita’s chief operations officer Ludolf Rasterhoff explained his company’s vision for high-speed broadband in Malta, which, according to an international study, directly supports economic growth.
“Melita is helping Malta achieve the EU Digital Agenda objectives and even the aspirations beyond that to become an information society. Malta’s objective is to become a smart island information society and to do that you need broadband. What Melita is doing now is really providing broadband everywhere at very attractive prices. In these times when the IMF and the rating agencies say that Malta has performed relatively well, economic growth is more important than ever and to get economic growth a good broadband infrastructure is very important,” he said.
Mr Rasterhoff was referring to a recent joint study by telecoms giant Ericsson, Arthur D. Little and Chalmers University of Technology in 33 OECD countries in the developed world, most of them in Europe. The study highlighted that increased internet broadband speed contributes significantly to economic growth. Doubling the broadband speed increases an economy’s GDP by 0.3 per cent. Positive effects come from automated and simplified processes, increased productivity as well as better access to basic services such as education and health.
In the short run, more jobs will be needed to create the new infrastructure, such as construction, telecommunications and electronics. Increased broadband speed will encourage new ways of doing business. This creates more advanced online services and new utility services, such as telecommuting and telepresence. Indirect effects include spillover effects from one sector to another and efficiency improvement in the economy, the study concluded.
Melita’s chief operations officer explained how his company is playing a significant role in providing broadband in Malta and he hopes this will have a positive effect on the economy as indicated by the study.
“We have hundreds of customers with the 100 megabit internet broadband connection which is our flagship product. Very rarely in Europe do you see operators offering such a speed and we are very happy with the take-up. Such an achievement requires a vision and a strong execution for many years. It all started with Melita’s huge investment in the undersea fibre-optic cable to Sicily, completed in 2009.
“In 2010 we did an extensive upgrade of the network, and last year we launched Docsis 3, the superior broadband technology. In the first quarter of this year we expect 80 per cent of our customers to have internet access of 15 megabits or more. Last year the majority of customers still had around five megabits of speed. Today Melita does not sell internet access with less than 15 megabits,” Mr Rasterhoff said.
The EU Digital Agenda has set ambitious the goal of having nationwide broadband speeds of 100 megabits in member states by 2020. Melita is already offering such a speed nationwide eight years ahead of the deadline. The EU average for internet broadband today is 13.4 megabits while Malta’s average is 15 megabits, according to Netindex.com.
“We are convinced broadband is the future for watching content and entertainment. Apart from the correlation of the GDP to broadband, it’s also very important for Malta as there are many foreign companies moving to Malta in the i-gaming and financial sectors. They expect to be connected to the rest of the world with good broadband conditions. E-commerce is also growing.”
However Melita seems to be taking a different path than other operators in Malta, inspired by the fact that Wi-Fi provides higher internet access speeds compared to 3G in mobile communications networks.
“People use their mobiles a lot at home and therefore Wi-Fi is very important. The speeds Wi-Fi can give you can go up to 100 megabits as well. We have conducted a test project in Paceville where we provide free internet access over Wi-Fi and therefore users don’t need 3G to connect to internet anymore and get more speed than traditional mobile networks. Melita’s current 3G network offers 3.6 megabits internet access, which can go up to much higher speeds through software upgrades.
“At this point in time we do not see Long Term Evolution (LTE) as the most suitable option for Melita given the fact that we really believe that by creating a seamless Wi-Fi network over the island we can give the customers the benefit of very high download speeds inside the house and outside. It’s only when they are in an area where this is not available that users will have to rely on 3G. Therefore the next evolution is taking the Wi-Fi speeds in households outdoors and making it seamless to clients. We see it a very good solution for Malta,” insisted Mr Rasterhoff.
The Malta Communications Authority has already taken the first steps towards the creation of a national framework that promotes high speed broadband in Malta. While Melita appreciates the work of the MCA, it thinks free market principles should rule.
“The market should do its work. I believe in the free market and competition and it should not be regulated unless an operator has significant market power. When Melita decided to have a vision to invest in broadband in the last five years, the competition decided not to invest in broadband but in other services. The fact that they are lagging behind now is the consequence of not investing in these services. In the rest of Europe you can see DSL providers with speeds of up to 40 or 50 megabits but not in Malta. If Malta ever really wants to be a smart island such speeds should also be available on DSL,” suggested Melita’s chief operations officer.
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William Wallace
Aug 25th 2012, 16:40
This Company had some teething problems, when they started offering their services. Now I can say, I wont ever change provider. I have done away with, the usual ''Hold the line please, .... you are being connected, and then the line drops. Apart of course, the old regime, of total monopoly, where one Company in particular, issued telephone bills, without any scruple, and those poor subscribers had to pay through their teeth. And of course the other company, known, for its fresh and bossy attitude towards her clients. None of this with Melita. I am happy to upgrade again and again, as the other bloggers stressed, we are no longer being cheated of our bandwidth, most of the time its even higher. Thank you,
Paul Attard
Feb 9th 2012, 19:37
This is a somewhat shortsighted endevour. WiFi or even WiMax has been superceded by LTE and LTE is going to be the way forward.
You can see this in the US where the major operators are or have already deployed LTE. Its superior in everyway to WiFI and WiMax.
The issue of coverage is mainly down to one of available spectrum. The higher the band used the less penetration you get and as such less coverage per site. So using a band in the 2100mhz range is not as good (especially in Malta) as using one in the 700 to 900mhz band.
Gilbert Micallef
Feb 10th 2012, 09:46
I agree with you on this Paul! WiFi is only being proposed by major mobile operators as a way of offloading macro sites in traffic hotspot areas. The upgrade to LTE is inevitable, for higher speeds and more efficiency. Besides the limitations of WiFi on a technical level, from a practical perspective - given the type of buildings in Malta - WiFi signal dies quickly, so you will end up having interested users hanging around their windows with their phone sticking out. Besides, if not planned well, this will create massive interference to other 'domestic' WiFi networks. Not the best use of the technology if you ask me.
a borg
Feb 9th 2012, 17:28
"nationwide WiFi networks"
mobile computing...the future is NOW!
congratulations!
andrew brincat
Feb 9th 2012, 17:17
why bother about the investment now?, when users have lost their right of selecting what to download because of ACTA?...whose going to pay 20euros a month to access facebook or the receive junk mail?
Alfredo Agius
Feb 9th 2012, 16:42
I pay for 50Mbps, and get 50Mbps, and barely ever had a problem with the connection; and when I had, I had a technician sent to my house in less than 24 hours - on a Sunday.
I really can't understand what some people whine about.
Joseph Camilleri
Feb 16th 2012, 20:45
I have the 25 meg from Melita... and yes... I get 25 meg... doing a speed test on speedtest.net gives me 26.somthing... it's quite good, and worth it! It costs me only 25 euro a month with a telephone line where I call all local land lines for free! ...thumbs up for Melita... however sad when it comes TV... 2 channels have been removed... Not that I watched them, but they haven't been replaced... And i'm talking about Yes Italia and Body in Balance... Channels should get replaced not just removed! As at the end of the day, I pay 19.99 for my TV service in FULL, and when there are less channels I still pay 19.99.
Joe Fenech
Feb 9th 2012, 16:28
About b... time !!!
Charles Bugeja
Feb 9th 2012, 16:26
GO offers higher speeds than normal but you have to pay for them - the same as Melita and GO prices are cheaper. So what is new!!!! Nothing, a lot of fuss for nothing
Lawrence Camilleri
Feb 9th 2012, 16:13
No way I get Melita for all they offer. I was, but Go I went and dumped Melita after they tried to skin me and rob me of my money. That besides the Customer Disservice they offered. I don't know how friendly they are now but if they changed it all happened thanks to Maltanet/Go when they came into the picture. I am getting better service with Go who really care for the customer. Thank you Go.
alexander genuis
Feb 9th 2012, 16:00
Well,this a great idea,it's great to have access to wi-fi all around Malta,hope Melita will do so land this opportunity!!!Keep upthe good work,I will be looking forward for such service!!
dieter bulten
Feb 9th 2012, 15:39
Nice one Melita :) yet another reason to dump GO ....
Charles Bugeja
Feb 9th 2012, 16:13
GO has always offered a good service with reasonable prices - remeber Melita prices are much higher and have hidden charges - ask those who took their packages? Hallina Melita have always been ruthless, since their beginning and they will remain
I. Mercieca
Feb 9th 2012, 18:58
Mr. Charles Bugeja..... Are you serious????? seems you have a very good sense of humour....
I have a Melita Package... I never had hidden charges and I am very very pleased with their service and will never ever return to GO definitely. Well done Melita and keep up the good work..
Joseph Camilleri
Feb 16th 2012, 21:01
Melita have no hidden charges! When I got a quote for their HD service, they gave me the price... and didn't include the VAT... and therefore though that the price was the same as of Melita... However, with GO, you have to add the VAT!!! However when you get a quote in their outlets they exclude VAT...!!!
How's that for a hidden charge?! With Melita I pay 50 Euro, but i decided to let go on the HD for now... and well... that's what I pay... 50 euro a month!
Go... kienu xi darba tajbin, but not any more! Their internet is slower then a turtle!
Ġ. Agius
Feb 9th 2012, 15:39
Personally I don't think that it's a good idea.
It gives the vast majority of our children, underage kids and even adult people to indulge in the decidedly un-christianlike activity of watching porn, whenever they want, AND WHEREVER THEY ARE!
Let us not digress in the name of progress!
Lara Vella
Feb 9th 2012, 15:56
digress jekk trid int. bl istess argument ir ristorants ma jkollhomx skieken ghax daqs kemm jistghu jaghmlu tajjeb, tista tuzahom ghal hazin ukoll.
issa naraw il-prezz ta' dan il wi-fi...
Mr Chalie Venven
Feb 9th 2012, 16:07
Firstly, The internet is much more than that. Secondly, Technology shouldn't be hindered in the name of bad parenting. Thirdly, Why would anyone watch porn in public?
Ġ. Agius
Feb 9th 2012, 16:08
M'ghandiex x'taqsam. Mir-restaurant ma tisraqx skieken u tmur biss biex tiekol. Bl-internet kullimkien m'hemm l-ebda regola bhal din, il-pornografija li diga hi available fid-djar ta kulhadd (ma naqbilx ma dil-haga anqas ta, izda ghallinqas il-fatt li hi privata taghmilha anqas 'midinba') ha tigi available fit-toroq taghna u jistghu juzawha sahansitra tfal, li jaf ikunu ghadhom kif ghamlu l-precett u l-grizma fix-xhur ta' qabel!
HEKK IRRIDU NTELLGHUHOM LILL ULIEDNA?!?!
Mr Chalie Venven
Feb 9th 2012, 16:18
Ma nafx int G.Aguis, Imma Ma tantx nara tfal jigru barra b'laptops, u lanqas tfal tal pracett b'mobiles bil WiFi jekk nigu f'dan.
Apparti minn hekk trid taghmel kuntratt ghalih. Kuntratt ghall mobile sa fejn naf jien trid mill inqas 16 il sena biex taghmlu. So Jekk tifel tal pracett ghandu mobile bil kuntratt ghall internet jaqa taht ir responsabilta tal Genituri.
Ġ. Agius
Feb 9th 2012, 16:37
ehe u f'din l-era ta' genituri irresponsabli li issa jistghu ikunu wkoll DIVORZJATI dawn l-affarijiet ser isiru aktar komuni
MALTA SPICCAT L-AHWA
M. Chircop
Feb 9th 2012, 16:38
Sur Agius, l'argument tieghek ma jamilx sens. hija sfortuna li f'pajjizna ghad hawn min hu l'ghadu tal progress
Alfredo Agius
Feb 9th 2012, 16:45
If you don't want your kiddies to watch porn over free WiFi networks, don't give fancy smartphones that access WiFi to kiddies in the first place.
I've yet to find a reason for a 12-year old to own an Android or an iPhone - yet they seem to be all over the place.
Ġ. Agius
Feb 9th 2012, 16:50
My point exactly Mr. Agius!!!
If the parents aren't responsible, let the state with proper Catholic and Christ-like values decide for them!
Franco Farrugia
Feb 9th 2012, 16:59
then, teach your children, inspire them to stay away from porn.
Franco Farrugia
Feb 9th 2012, 17:00
@ G. Agius: Kont se nargumenta mieghek, imma malli qrajt dak li ktibt inti - Malta spiccat l-ahwa - iddecidejt li nieqaf. (Minn liema ghar ghadek kemm hrigtilna?)
Andrea Sammut
Feb 9th 2012, 19:25
Mr Agius, I find your argument to be ridiculous and immature. I pity people who take religion overly serious as they not only create obstacles in the path of progress but have absolutely no grounds upon which they can argue.
Think before you speak Mr. Agius, particularly on a website were anyone can read your pointless comments.
Alfredo Agius
Feb 9th 2012, 19:35
@ G.Agius: Yet you missed my point entirely. Don't blame Melita for pushing technology forward. Nation-wide WiFi coverage is a VERY good thing.
It's not their fault that kids of 10 years are walking around with their fancy 400EUR+ smartphone. Blame the people that give it to them; probably their families.
Also, don't be arrogant and assume that everyone on this island is christian, and will abide by the said "values". Religion has nothing to do with this.
Joseph Grima
Feb 9th 2012, 15:37
It must be at the very beginning of the timesonline experience since I sent a contribution to these columns to the effect that, because if its size, Malta could very easily set up a complete nationwide wif fi system. I argued that if San Francisco could do it just imagine what Malta could do. I was contacted by a Mr Camilleri of some Information Authority of the time to explain to me how complicated such a system was to set up but also to assure me that his Authority was working on it. It has taken a long time and we haven't done it yet but at least someone now is considering it. Only in Malta!
Peter Vella
Feb 9th 2012, 15:29
With reference to the last point mentioned here by Mr. Rastehoff, regrettably Melita's main competitor GO does not seem to be in much of a hurry to compete in the internet sector at least where internet speeds are concerned.
In November 2010, an article appeared in one of the local papers and on GO's website that "GO is the first communications provider in Malta to be offering 100 Mbps fibre connectivity, as part of its commercial trials at Portomaso and Forth Mansions in Ta’ Xbiex. The plan is to offer similar speeds in more areas of Malta and Gozo ..."
More than a year has passed, and nothing has been heard of since. No such services have been offered or any prices advertised.
http://www.go.com.mt/Default.aspx?id=233&m=news&pid=210&newsid=549
Then in September 2011, an article appeared stating that "Alcatel-Lucent and GO boost broadband access speeds to households across the country".
What speeds have been boosted? Go has been offering the 20 Megabit connection as their fastest speed for several years now. When is GO going to start offering 100Megabit connections to its customers?
http://www.go.com.mt/Default.aspx?id=233&m=news&pid=210&newsid=665
P. Aquilina
Feb 9th 2012, 17:03
Do you need 100 Mbits at home ? Are you ready to PAY for 100Mbits ? or do you want it for the same price of 20 Mbits. I have 20 Mbits at Home , 12 Mbits for Internet and 8 Mbits for Interactive TV. It's more than enough.
Timothy Cachia
Feb 9th 2012, 17:11
Until GO gets rid of it's ancient copper system, you can never see beyond 20 Mbps on a single modem.
Peter Vella
Feb 9th 2012, 18:42
@P.Aquilina: Some people may need faster speeds than 20 Mbit at home. Yes I am one of those people and yes if the product is reasonably priced I am willing to pay for the service.
With your argument, then none of Melita's subscribers are opting for 50 megabit and 100 megabit connections which are available to them, since they don't need anything faster than your 12 Mbit connection
The internet is not only used to browse web-pages and sending e-mails.
If you have many big e-mails being received and sent everyday, a faster connection
Peter Vella
Feb 9th 2012, 18:52
@ Timothy Cachia:
Faster speeds than 20 Mbps are possible over Copper by using other technologies such as VDSL2
A Borg
Feb 11th 2012, 07:38
@peter. Is true there is VDSL , did you try asking Go for the price I did and their reply was same price of the Fiber optic connection they offer. Price about 1k or more for the installation and a rent which varies about 450 to 600 euros a month. Is there an alternative in Malta as other countries? Or are Go once more not equipped for something new to implement as always happens. Iwish they could offer VDSL because they are giving this service where they cannot reach with Fiber. But is not a usal service maybe when the system is old they will offer it. Don't take me wrong I like GO service but when it comes for something new they let the competition prevail.
J Xuereb
Feb 9th 2012, 15:23
A WiFi network across the whole of Malta? Call me when that happens.
Ian Vella
Feb 9th 2012, 15:10
I hope the Malta Communications Authority checks their plan and what technology they will be using to ensure that no dangerous radiation is emitted... I don't trust the larger corporations (and I'm speaking about both Melita, Go, Vodafone etc.) they don't worry about our health, all they care about is their profits!!
twanny borg
Feb 9th 2012, 14:46
ahjar qalilna l-prezz!!!
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