Next-generation access networks in Malta, the implementation of e-signatures regulation and the EU’s 2020 targets have been singled out as the main challenges that the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) has to work on in the coming months.

These were highlighted in the authority’s ‘Strategic plan update for 2014–2016’ which it has just published.

“In the electronic communications sector, the development of ubiquitous high speed networks and services remains the challenge for policy makers, regulator and operators alike. The momentum towards next-generation access networks remains squarely centre-stage, as do the issues characterising competition in the electronic communications and postal sectors.

This particular channel always experienced problems created by digital TV transmissions from neighbouring Sicily

“On the ‘demand’ side, bridging the digital divide remains the central focus. These are not necessarily the only elements that make for continuity,” the authority said in the document.

The electronic communications sector seems to be the one that will keep the MCA busiest in the immediate future.

“Inevitably, new challenges come up, whether due to the new developments that the external environment – both local and international – constantly blows in, or as a result of the assumption of additional responsibilities that are essentially complementary to the authority’s mission and objectives. These challenges are particularly evident in the electronic communications sphere where, among others, the need to constantly monitor developments on the ‘horizon’ is such that the authority is giving fresh impetus to the matter,” the document said its introduction.

Activity in this area for 2014 is framed within the context of the Digital Malta Strategy, which should be published soon, and the situation will be benchmarked against the EU’s 2020 strategy.

“Malta’s standing in the various Europe 2020 tables remains rather similar to last year’s, namely that it is progressing well on the ‘supply side’, that is in the provision of the necessary high speed network infrastructure and services, but less so on the ‘demand side’, which deals with citizen and business uptake of ICT. Whereas the MCA’s mandate concerns mainly the ‘supply-side’, the ‘demand-side’ aspect is, in part, also addressed by the authority by way of ICT awareness-raising and training that it carries out.

“Overall, there are no major ‘supply-side’ issues, nonetheless the deployment of next generation access networks (NGANs) needs to be sustained if Malta wants to retain a place with the front-runners in an increasingly competitive global environment. From a regulatory point of view, this authority’s mission remains that of providing the necessary regulatory clarity to electronic communications players at such a delicate juncture. This has been the main objective throughout the current year and should remain such during the forthcoming plan period. Regulatory clarity serves to facilitate market entry and investment in the field. Beyond regulatory clarity, the proportionate application of regulation itself remains a key tool to promote competition and thereby market entry and investment.”

This supports the views expressed by the MCA’s chairman, Edward Woods, in an interview with i-Tech a few weeks ago, where he had hinted at important preparatory work for Malta to introduce the NGANs.

Developments are also expected on the wireless front, which will consolidate radio frequencies to support Malta’s 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile networks. Vodafone Malta launched its LTE service commercially late last year and the MCA has bound itself to support the ubiquitous provision of NGANs by Maltese operators also in the case of LTE.

One important task in this respect highlighted by the authority will be will be making available further spectrum for LTE.

This will be possible by taking over Channel 66, currently used for digital TV broadcasts, which means that some stations have to be migrated to other frequencies.

Discussions with stakeholders are underway and the MCA said the mediation of the EU Commission was instrumental towards Malta’s exercising its rights to utilise this alternative channel given that this particular channel always experienced problems created by digital TV transmissions from neighbouring Sicily.