The overall picture depicted by the National Statistics Office’s (NSO) latest statistical overview of the Information Society in Malta is one of a strong Communications sector experiencing growth in all its key markets, the Malta Communications Authority has said.

In a statement, it said this growth is a direct result of competition in this previously monopolised market. Competition has driven down prices whist vastly improving consumer choice leading to an increased uptake in services across the board.

This growth has been further fuelled by Government initiatives which have driven the very strong growth in broadband take-up and ICT usage experienced in the first half of this year.

Government initiatives such as Project Blueskies whereby broadband service was offered to first-timers and less privileged people, at practically no charge, contributed significantly to this surge in uptake.

Another initiative by Government that could have had a significant impact on such an increase in this regard is the supply of personal computers to less privileged people at very affordable prices.

Maltese customers can today benefit from the choice of three distinct nationwide platforms for Internet services – Cable, ADSL and Wireless services, a choice that few other countries in Europe provide.

The fixed line market also continued to demonstrate positive developments, both in terms of subscribers as well as international and VoIP minutes. Alternative operators entered the fixed line market in November 2006.

Today consumers are experiencing the full effect of such competition with the presence of multiple players – including amongst others GO Plus, Melita, Sky and Vodafone.

Many other countries are experiencing a drop in fixed line subscribers, however, this is not the case in Malta as customers are increasingly appreciating the choices available, and that the range of services do in fact offer “value for money”.

The mobile market is experiencing similar growth trends.

The percentage of the population that has a mobile phone is on the increase at present reaching just over 90 per cent.

However, Malta has not as yet reached the EU mobile penetration rate which currently stands at approximately 112 per cent.

With the granting of a third 3G licence and the authorisation of two new Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), it is expected that competition will drive penetration rates up and prices further down.

The effects of such increased competition should be seen in early 2009.

Competition in the TV broadcasting market has also stimulated growth in the economy whereas increased content by both operators has provided wider choice and value for money for consumers.

The change from analogue to digital has continued at a steady pace and now surpassed the 50 per cent mark.

In the postal sector, parcel mail has increased approximately by eight per cent and this may be a direct result of more people purchasing on-line and making more use of e-commerce services.

In addition to the tax credit scheme launched by Government in February to SMEs and sole traders, whereby e12000 credit is granted on investment by such traders in e-Commerce platforms, the MCA is looking at other ways of how to increase the take up of

e-Commerce in Malta.