A €100,000 study will assess the feasibility of a fibre optic link to mainland Europe as an alternative to existing links with Sicily.

The research, piloted by the Malta Communications Authority, will determine the technical, economic and financial viability of a submarine cable linking Malta to the mainland’s digital superhighway.

The study will be completed by the end of the year and will also look into the best way to fund the project.

MCA chief information officer Steve Agius said the study would determine alternative underwater routes, the cost for this venture and the different models to finance such a project. It will also study the possible landing spots.

There are currently four underwater fibre optic cables between Malta and Sicily that belong to private operators.

“The Malta-Sicily channel is a very busy shipping route and this increases the vulnerability of undersea cables so it helps to have different options in place,” Mr Agius said.

The e-gaming, ICT and financial services sectors depend on reliable, high quality bandwidth for their success

A subsea fibre optic cable would have to be encased in such a way as to render it anchor-proof and able to withstand the elements, all which render it a costly venture.

Private operators would be consulted on the study.

Asked about another fibre optic link between Malta and Gozo, Mr Agius said Malta Enterprise was studying this possibility.

“Gozo is currently well served but a second link would provide security and open the possibility for future growth,” he said.

Parliamentary Secretary for Economic Growth José Herrera said the study formed part of the government’s drive to ensure the right infrastructure was in place to encourage growth in the services sector.

“The e-gaming, ICT and financial services sectors depend on reliable, high quality bandwidth for their success and providing a link beyond Sicily will ensure diversification and better international connectivity,” he said.