Melita has concluded a €50 million investment to enhance its communications network with next generation technology in international connectivity and mobile communication.

The company said today it is now planning further expansion across its four areas of services: television, internet, fixed-line and mobile.

"New investment programmes planned to kick off in the next months will enable the company to develop powerful new products which will continue to place Melita and the Maltese Islands at the forefront of practical applications of advanced communications and home entertainment technology," the company said.

It said its Internet customers could now opt for super fast internet speeds of up to 50Mbps while the minimum entry level speed on its cable internet has been raised from 2Mbps to 5Mbps. Melita completed these upgrades by mid-August on a complimentary basis to all its customers to mark the completion of the €10 million fibre optic submarine cable project connecting Malta to the rest of the world.

Earlier this year, Melita introduced a fully fledged third-generation-only mobile network across the Maltese Islands and introduced a tariffs structure which, it said, challenged the high prices charged for mobile usage.

The company was set up 17 years ago and was recently able to draw on foreign experiences gained by the various international shareholders which currently own the majority of the Company. Melita's current shareholders, GMT Communications Partners, M/C Ventures and BlackRock Communications, are all specialised investors in media and telecommunication assets.

Melita provides cable television services to over 100,000 families and businesses, cable internet to over 50,000 users, over 55,000 fixed telephone lines and mobile communication to more than 25,000 subscribers who joined Melita mobile in the first six months of operation.