GO plc said today that it would later this year launch major investment in Next Generation Networks, "subject to certain conditions and clarity on the regulatory framework by the authorities."

The investment will be made in the mobile and fixed networks through which broadband internet is provided and through which other applications will be provided in the near future.

"Such investments are being made so that GO continues to lead the local market in terms of the data services. In turn, such investment will ensure that customers – individual, residential or business users – continue to get the best level of service," the company said.

It explained that in 2009 and throughout this year, it will have made investment commitments of €25 million.

The investment in the Next Generation Network on the fixed broadband access via fibre technology will be phased over a number of years and will be initially deployed in specific areas of Malta and Gozo – with a view of expanded deployment over a number of years.

GO Chairman Deepak Padmanabhan pointed out how GO recently invested in a second submarine fibre-optic cable and upgraded the wireless data speeds to up to 7.2 MBps. It also invested heavily in the nationwide digital terrestrial TV network.

He added that it was expected that this year GO would achieve an important milestone – that of 500,000 customer connections throughout the Maltese islands.