During a press conference held late last month in the presence of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, GO confirmed its commitment to being the largest investor in Malta’s state-of-the-art digital infrastructure.

“At GO, we believe that the only way to future proof Malta and to be able to handle the phenomenal growth in data, is to invest in a state-of-the-art, fibre-to-the-home network,” said Nikhil Patil, CEO at GO plc.

“Simply put, a fibre network delivers data to you at the speed of light. There is nothing faster in science today. GO is the only company in Malta that delivers a true fibre network right to your living room.”

To date, more than 85,000 homes have the opportunity to experience true-fibre technology.

“We are working round the clock to expedite rollout of true fibre so that every house and business can benefit from the best technology on the market. We expect at least 100,000 homes, the equivalent of approximately 50 per cent of Malta and Gozo, to be covered by the end of 2019, with full nationwide coverage by 2024,” said Patil.

“We are very proud of our achievements so far, considering the complexities involved in rolling out such a network. This is a massive exercise that requires meticulous coordination across various government entities, contractors, vendors and other parties,” he added.

“Our investment does not stop here. We continuously strive for innovation. In fact, for the past months, our engineers have worked closely with an international vendor to develop the Smart Hub – a box that combines the power of true fibre, with our 4.5G mobile network to ensure that your true fibre connection never fails,” concluded Patil.

We continuously strive for innovation

GO remains committed to ensure Malta’s digital infrastructure fully supports the country’s vision. Initiated in 2016, this long-term project is aimed at ensuring that Malta is ready for the technologies of the future.

Prime Minister Muscat said: “Communications services are the backbone of today’s thriving economy. They underpin every sector, every industry. It is communications services and the infrastructure that drive innovation. Our vision can only be attained if all stakeholders pull the same rope and harness every opportunity to push Malta forward. GO has a long-standing history in its contribution to Malta’s economy. Not only has GO taken these opportunities, but it is now creating opportunities for further growth.”

Dr Muscat added: “Today we have witnessed the complexities behind the laying of true fibre technology and what this can offer. This is significant, not only because it caters for our growing demands today, but it is a technology that is setting Malta up for the next 100 years.”

He explained that Malta is also on track to be one of the first EU member states to achieve full true fibre coverage and to reach the Digital Agenda targets.

“We have created a digital economy that we should be proud of. Malta has been at the forefront of innovation in this regard. We have been a prime example, setting the standards across Europe in many cases. Most government services are now available online – at the click of a button. We are attracting foreign investment to our shores; we are setting the right policies and strategies for Malta to become the blockchain island and AI centre of excellence; we have created the right environment for emerging industries. This would not be possible if it were not for a resilient and reliable communications infrastructure; for the continuous private investment and continued close collaboration between government and the private industry,” he continued.

Dr Muscat thanked GO for having always supported government’s vision of being at the forefront of technology and innovation.

“GO has never shied away from investing in its infrastructure to ensure that our homes and businesses enjoy the best technologies available. Our confidence to strive for excellence comes from the comfort in the knowledge that companies such as GO are there to support our endeavours and efforts to take Malta to the next level,” Dr Muscat concluded.

(Content provided by GO)