A study will assess the technical, economic and financial viability of linking Malta to the European mainland's digital superhighway through another submarine cable.

The study, piloted by the Malta Communications Authority, will determine the feasibility of linking the island directly to the European mainland rather than Sicily.

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

Parliamentary Secretary for Economic Growth Jose 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."

The study, to cost €100,000, will be completed by the end of the year.

MCA chief information officer Steve Agius said it would determine alternative underwater routes, the cost for such a venture and the different models to finance such a project.

He said 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."

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.