MCA chairman, Joseph Tabone explained: “With the launch of innovative voice over broadband services, together with the continuing popularity of competitive international VoIP calls using pre-paid cards, there is a need to review the market and provide a clear direction as to the regulatory environment that will apply under the new electronic communications legislation that has recently been proposed.

“The authority is seeking to consult all interested parties about a suitable regulatory treatment applicable to VoIP services,” added Mr Tabone.

While creating opportunities for new entrants to the electronic communications markets, VoIP is a technological revolution that also challenges established operators to respond.

The main objective of this consultation paper is therefore to address issues such as service definition and classification, quality of service, pricing, reliability, availability, numbering and billing as well as to determine service providers’ responsibilities and obligations.

Copies of the consultation paper can be downloaded from the MCA’s website on www.mca.org.mt or may be obtained free of charge from the MCA offices.

The MCA invites comments from interested parties in relation to any of the issues and questions raised in this consultation document. The consultation period will run until 12 noon on Friday, 1 October.