The FastTrak to Mobile initiative has been launched by the Malta Communications Authority, as part of its efforts to encourage the use of eCommerce by businesses, as set out in its National eCommerce Strategy (2014-2020).

Following last year's success of the first iteration of

FastTrak, the MCA has now launched the second phase of the project, with particular focus on mobile commerce and mobile marketing.

Over the past years, businesses across the globe have shifted their focus to mobile technology.

The number of connected devices in the world is staggering. As at Quarter 1 of this year, Malta has surpassed 606,000 active SIM cards, and the transformation in the way we live, work, learn, travel, shop and stay connected has been phenomenal.

This is why mobile has been identified by the MCA in last year's review of the National eCommerce Strategy, as a specific focus area that must be tackled via initiatives, such as FastTrak.

Addressing those present for the launch, the Parliamentary Secretary for Financial

Services, Digital Economy and Innovation, Silvio Schembri, stressed that projects such as FastTrak to Mobile are necessary when considering the mobile device advancements in the telco industry in the past couple of years, and how Malta has been at the forefront in this sector, with 4.5G rolled out nationwide, and with 5G in the pipeline.

 "This ecosystem inevitably creates a market for mobile enabled apps and environments and government is intent on assisting small and medium sized business organisations to tap into this market. Fast Trak to Mobile is one way through which we are providing this assistance," said Schembri.

The FastTrak sessions, will guide local business-owners through various topics to help them take the next step to mobile. These include mobile commerce, website optimisation, mobile search and mobile marketing, amongst others. The hands-on, 2.5-hour sessions, will be offered completely free of charge to participants.

The training sessions are scheduled to commence this September, with various intakes throughout the months of September and October. The course will be held at MCAST Paola and at Business First in Mrieħel, during evenings between 6:30pm - 8pm. Participants will receive a certificate on completing the training.

FastTrak to Mobile is supported by MITA, MCAST, Business First and MEA.