The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) is looking to promote research and technological innovation in Malta and has considered the possibility of providing access to a range of technologies and services at developmental stage.

Considering Malta’s size and geographical location, the island is in a unique position to offer an optimal setting to study and test specific technology and service implementations on a national scale.

Radio frequency spectrum is a limited national resource that facilitates a plethora of services and applications based on wireless communications. Undeniably, having the opportunity to access the spectrum during the development and the testing phases of new wireless technologies is key to the delivery of such services.

The risks taken by a stakeholder when investing in, and implementing, a new technology are for the most part relatively high. The MCA is therefore proposing a scheme that seeks to address these hurdles.

It is the MCA’s belief that the availability of licensing regimes to cater specifically for trials and tests will enable Malta to offer attractive opportunities in the area.

The Authority is recommending the introduction of two distinct licence categories, namely, a test licence – intended to support the testing of a new technology, and a trial licence – intended to support the deployment of service trials involving third parties or the public.

The MCA is holding consultations on the proposed conditions and criteria of the test and the trial licensing schemes. The purpose of this consultation is to seek input on the proposed introduction of the two additional licensing schemes within the current Electronic Communications framework.

Stakeholders are to forward their feedback on test@ mca.org.mt by 28 September.