The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) is evolving. It has taken on new functions that allows it to provide a more relevant contribution to the critical and fast-paced communications sector in Malta.
According to Edward Woods, chairman at the MCA, this process goes beyond a simple change in legislation, as the authority is extending its regulatory function to become an active promoter of innovation in the sectors it regulates. On this front, the MCA is working on a roadmap to transform Malta into a leader in the field of cloud computing, it has developed an eCommerce strategy, is actively studying the potential of additional international submarine data links for Malta and has embarked on the expansion of Malta’s potential to attract satellite-based service providers.
In his foreword in the MCA’s Annual Report and Financial Statements 2013, Woods goes beyond giving an overview of the achievements of the past year and provides a glimpse of what the authority is working on.
“The authority will only continue to be relevant and make a meaningful contribution by looking forward and constantly reinventing itself in order to be able to gear up for the challenges that lie ahead. It is time to take a deeper look into the sector and rethink our mission and restate our rationale,” he admitted.
The MCA has to take a “direct and active role in enhancing value in the sectors by encouraging further investment and innovation, attracting high-end businesses to our shores and capitalising on the opportunities brought about in this regard. Our role as facilitator and motivator is ever more important.
Another avenue which will be explored is satellite resources
“We will continue to focus all our energies on encouraging further growth and investment, promoting technology and service innovation with the ultimate objective of promoting competitive prices, increased consumer choice and greater service penetration.” The MCA will, in the process, consolidate its traditional regulatory function.
2013 – an important year
In 2013, the MCA was witness to important developments in the Maltese communications market which, according to Woods, is “another testament to the strength of this industry and to the fact that despite its size, Malta has the potential to sustain a competitive communications industry, providing services which often exceed, in terms of quality, what is available in the rest of the EU.”
These developments include the launch of the first 4G mobile network in Malta, the launch of 250 Mbp/s broadband internet services, the launch of an extensive Wi-Fi network, and the roll-out of Fibre-to-the-Home service in two central localities as part of extensive field tests by one of the providers. In terms of numbers, the Maltese market has registered significant growth, especially in mobile data. Malta ranks 7th in the EU in terms of broadband penetration and is well on its way to achieving many of the EU’s Digital Agenda targets, in some cases well ahead of the deadline.
Initiatives and innovation
This year has already witnessed the publication of Digital Malta, the national ICT strategy which features the MCA as one of the main promoters, together with the Malta Information Technology Agency. A draft National eCommerce Strategy has also been published for consultation this summer with the aim of sustaining efforts in an area, which still has a lot of unexploited potential.
In his foreword, the MCA chairman reveals some of the initiatives, which the MCA is embarking on in its mission to encourage innovation while supporting the local industry. One area where the MCA would like to see stronger inroads is in the area of cloud computing.
The authority is setting up a working committee to establish a roadmap for a framework which addresses security and legal, fiscal, standards and certification issues, to ensure that Malta becomes a leader in this field.
A critical ingredient for such developments to materialise is reliable and robust international connectivity. To ensure Malta remains resilient in this area, the MCA is undertaking a detailed technical, economic and financial feasibility analysis for a new submarine cable link connecting Malta to other alternative locations.
Another avenue which will be explored is satellite resources, where the authority is looking into options for further expanding Malta’s potential to attract satellite-based service providers, including exploiting the satellite resources which are registered to Malta by the International Telecommunications Union.
“I strongly believe that the authority is in an excellent position to deliver the goods on its new and expanded mandate. It has the vision, energy and the required competencies to obtain truly meaningful results, ” he concluded.