This refers to the use of wireless technology, replacing copper to connect subscribers to telephone networks and the internet.

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) provides an important alternative method of delivering broadband internet and data services through radio waves instead of a physical cable. It can be used as an effective platform from which to either expand existing products and services or provide infrastructure in hitherto previously under-served areas.

The FWA consultative paper published in June 2004, outlined a number of possibilities regarding the local introduction of FWA in Malta while providing an insight into the market itself. This consultative paper further augments and reinforces the National Broadband Strategy.

Digital Terrestrial Television (DTTV)

For many years, television signals utilised the analogue form, sending out signals in the form of waves, indicating to the TV set which colours and sounds to produce. These waves, however, were subject to interference and fading. Digital TV will reduce such problems by converting sound and pictures into a digital format. Additionally, it serves to expand the number of television channels we shall be able to receive.

A consultation paper on digital broadcasting was published in July 2004 and a number of applications to carry out field trials were submitted. In this regard, temporary licences to carry out such trials were granted and frequency channels were assigned. DTTV broadcasting is already a reality in many countries around the world. Locally, the provision of DTTV is expected to provide a wider choice of channels, better quality and the facility for data transmissions and interactive services through television sets.

DTTV transmissions are more cost effective than analogue transmissions and should therefore result in a reduction in the cost of existing network operations coupled with the opportunity to offer new programme channels and interactive services.

The objective of these trials is to analyse the performance of a DTTV network in Malta to enable the provision of such services in the near future.

The Malta Communications Authority also continues its work for the benefit of consumers.

Monitoring of mobile phones base stations

During the year under review, auditing of EMF emissions from mobile phone base stations continued. The positive results were very reassuring, where 88 per cent of all readings were rated below five per cent of the accepted level of emissions established by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). People’s attitudes towards mobile phone base stations is changing for the better and greater importance is now being given to tests for compliance with the ICNIRP guidelines.

The MCA has received a number of complaints pointing to increased concerns of other possible sources of emissions. The MCA is extending the current monitoring of mobile phone base stations for a further three years and shall also cover other sources of EMF emissions, such as those from broadcasting sources.

Internet health

monitoring system

The MCA commissioned the implementation of an Internet Health Monitoring System (IHMS) – a web server, accessible by the general public, which provides information regarding the status of internet connectivity both domestically and overseas, in an easy to use and understandable manner. Found at www.nethealth.com.mt, the IHMS enables users to carry out internet connection speed tests while providing the means for simple troubleshooting.

ISPs participating in the system have the facility of posting service announcements on the IHMS site, giving users advance notice of scheduled maintenance or current problems. A month after its launch, the IHMS had already been the host of 5,679 speed tests, evidence to how vital such a mechanism is to internet users. The implementation of the IHMS is a collaborative effort and is just one initiative to boost the quality of internet services in Malta.

Market surveillance

Market surveillance is a process of investigating and presenting abusive, manipulative or illegal practices in a given market.

As a result of the transposition of the EU directive on Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (R&TTE) market surveillance is used as a means to ensure adherence to this. A working group, comprising representatives from various organisations was formed to promote and implement an effective network as well as coordinate government entities involved in the many aspects of market surveillance.

Over 100 inspections have taken place and randomly chosen equipment was surveyed of which, 80 per cent was radio equipment, such as mobile phones, cordless phones and wireless microphones and 20 per cent were telecommunications terminal equipment such as, faxes, phones and PABXs. Corrective measures were taken on the 5 per cent of the tested equipment, which resulted to be non-compliant.

Postal services

During the past year, the Malta Communications Authority also assumed responsibility for Postal Services regulation. Regulation of the postal sector seeks to ensure the gradual and controlled liberalisation of the postal market by allowing for the provision of services by multiple operators in the postal sector. Concurrently, regulation is essential to guarantee that the universal postal service which encompasses a minimum range of services of a specified quality, is provided in Malta at an affordable price for the benefit of all users, irrespective of their location in Malta.

The aim of the universal services is to offer all users easy access to the postal network through the provision, in particular, of a sufficient number of access points and by ensuring satisfactory conditions with regard to the frequency of collections and deliveries.

Universal service

provision

An important element in the Postal Services Act is the concept of universal service provision in the postal services market. The MCA designated Maltapost as the Universal Service Provider (USP) in May 2004. This designation entails a number of obligations which Maltapost has to honour.

The minimum components of Universal Service Obligations (USOs) require Maltapost to ensure at least one delivery to each postal address or delivery point and one collection for each current access point every working day; oblige Maltapost to provide a service for registered and insured postal articles and provide for the collection and onward transmission of postal articles for destinations outside of Malta and the receipt and delivery of postal articles originating outside of Malta destined for local addresses. Maltapost is also under an obligation to provide services for the blind or partially sighted persons.

Since Maltapost is designated as the USP, it is granted exclusive rights to provide certain services termed, reserved services, relating to the clearance, sorting, transport and delivery of articles of inland correspondence, cross-border and direct mail within specific weight and price limits. The reserved area, which serves to protect the USP from the potentially disruptive effects of open competition is being reduced over a period of time and should be removed by 2009. It is the MCA’s obligation to ensure that Maltapost provides the universal services, while also ensuring that Maltapost’s reserved area is not infringed.

Quality of service requirements

The EU Postal Directive lays out the minimum Quality of Service (QoS) requirements which incumbent operators like Maltapost are obliged to meet. These requirements were amended and transposed in the Postal Services Act, following which, in September 2004, the MCA completed a discussion document on the minimum QoS requirements for Maltapost.

This document addresses the implementation of these QoS requirements and reflects the MCA’s intentions on the way forward towards the establishment of QoS standards and the ongoing monitoring in relation to the transit times for the delivery of local and overseas mail.

This document also addresses complaint management and compensation as well as reporting requirements.

I believe that through our policies in the communications sector we have managed to make this sector a dynamic one – one which has now become an important pillar of our National Competitiveness.

I believe that the valuable work carried out by the Malta Communications Authority will continue throughout this year to maintain and enhance this vital sector for our consumers as well as economy.

Censu Galea is Competitiveness and Communications Minister

The first part of this article was carried last Monday