The Malta Communication Authority will be publishing an international call for proposals for the use of two orbital satellite slots.

The government intends to make these available to support both private and public electronic communication services, through a concession agreement and associated license to be managed by the MCA.

Competitivness Parliamentary Secretary José Herrera said that through this international competitive process, Malta was making history in its communications sector.

He said this government was committed to do what others failed to do in the satellite communications sector. It took the decision to develop the satellite communications sector and to make available its allotted orbital slots to the market, through an international competitive process.

"For the first time Malta will be seeking parties interested in exploiting space assets through commercial activities that can benefit the Maltese Islands and place Malta on the global satellite transmission map,” he said.

Dr Herrera said that this call aimed to attract experienced international players supporting the provision of high quality commercial satellite services based on next generation technology.

Such major projects would serve to support knowledge transfer in new sectors and aim to provide new opportunities for business growth.

The MCA will consider investment capital, business models, market coverage, use of latest technologies, commercial terms and conditions, timelines for operation, and economic offers to select the most qualified proponent/s for the licensing of these satellite resources.