Last week, the MCA published the sixth edition of the Electronic Communications Market Review for the period 1 October 2004 to 31 March 2005.

The main indicators for the period under review were the continued growth of broadband and mobile services. In fact broadband connections grew by 61 per cent since March 2004 and now stand at almost 40,000 connections. Broadband growth features high on the agenda of every EU member State and it is encouraging to see that Malta has a higher broadband penetration than the EU average of nine per cent. In fact, when compared with the average of the new EU entrants, Malta is placed well ahead as the average penetration rate is three per cent as opposed to the 10 per cent in Malta.

The mobile telephony sector continued its upward trend with a six per cent growth in mobile subscribers. With 78 per cent of the Maltese population now owning a mobile phone the market will soon reach saturation point.

The report provides an overview of the trends in the local mobile and fixed telephony services, Internet and Cable Television markets. The report also features an analysis of the contribution of the communications industry to the general Maltese economy. Comparisons and benchmarks with EU member states on a number of wholesale and retail services are also included in the report.

The MCA’s Electronic Communications Market Review is published twice yearly with the next publication covering the period 1 April 2005 to 30 September 2005 expected to be published in December 2005.

The document – Electronic Communications Market Review October 2004 – March 2005 can be viewed on the MCA’s web site at www.mca.org.mt and copies can also be obtained free of charge from the MCA on request.