The imminent publication of the policy document, and consultations covering the various aspects of modern telecommunications, was discussed by Mr Galea during his address to the Malta Communications Authority’s Annual Conference yesterday.
The one-day conference had as a theme: Building the Information Society, and focused on broadband, 3g mobile and digital television.
Mr Galea said “the communications sector in Malta is being continuously updated to reflect Malta’s commitment towards attaining an information based socio-economic environment.
Following important steps, such as the full liberalisation of the telecommunications industry, this drive has contributed in leading us to develop a national information and communication technology strategy, which is the key for improved competitiveness and productivity growth in Europe.
“Therefore the electronic communications sector has a strategic role to play in delivering innovative services that will allow the wider economy and society as a whole to realise the benefits of the information society. One of these is broadband,” he said.
Mr Galea said that today Malta has a broadband penetration level of 7.7 per cent, exceeding those of the newly enlarged EU, which stands at 6.1 per cent.
The final draft of the National Broadband Strategy for Malta, drawn up jointly by the MCA within the Competitiveness and Communications Ministry and the Information Technology and Investment Ministry, was presented to the National Information Society Advisory Council last month following a period of public consultation
The final version of the National Broadband Strategy will be forwarded to the European Commission by the end of May.
This will be in advance of the Commission’s own communication on the same subject, which is expected to be presented at the June European Union Telecommunications Council.
The government is already considering the appropriate policies for new broadband technologies – power line and fixed wireless access.
In fact, with reference to fixed wireless access, the spectrum is already available for multiple fixed wireless access operators.
In the coming weeks, the Ministry will be publishing a policy document outlining the spectrum allocation methodology, number of operators, spectrum pricing and rollout conditions, Mr Galea said.
He added that four companies have already expressed interest in launching Digital Terrestrial TV operations in Malta.
A policy document will be published for consultation by the government shortly.
Local mobile telephony operators are now firmly committed to transition to 3G.
When dealing with the possibility of a third mobile operator licence in 2004, it does not make sense to licence a third 2G operator, Mr Galea said.
Bearing in mind the future transition, it is preferable that the licencee would embark straight away within a 3G framework.
The transition of the continuous development and changes in technologies in the telecommunications sector presents a set of perennial challenges which have to be addressed by a number of stakeholders, including central and local government, the national regulatory authority, private industry and civil society.
It is therefore our responsibility to ensure a fair and competitive market that achieves a balance between the interests of consumers and those of the investor.