Malta’s broadband policy is technology-neutral and favours a competitive market environment.
Summary of broadband development in Malta
The Malta Diġitali 2022-2027 strategy focuses on the transformation that is required through the digital aspect, aiming at a better society and a thriving economy.
National broadband strategy and policy
Responsible authorities
- The field of broadband development falls under the responsibility of the Office of the Prime Minister.
- The Malta Information Technology Agency is the central driver of information and communication technology policy, programmes and initiatives within Government.
- The national regulatory authority for electronic communications and spectrum management is the Malta Communications Authority (MCA). Through its Information Society arm, the MCA is implementing a number of demand stimulation measures aimed to increase take-up of superfast broadband services.
Main aims for broadband development
The Malta Diġitali 2022-2027 strategy builds on the progress in the realisation of Malta’s preceding Digital Malta Strategy 2014-2020. The vision is to establish digital as the key driving force for the transformation required to:
- Make the lives of Maltese citizens better, enable businesses to thrive, and make government services more accessible.
- Achieve economic growth through innovation and further strategic focus on specific societal and economic areas of importance.
Digital dimension is regarded as the driving force for transformation leading to a better society and a thriving economy. One of the Strategy’s high-level goals is to prioritise investments in technical and infrastructural digital capabilities. The regulation and legislation, infrastructure and funding are considered as generic strategic enablers for the digital transformation. One of the planned actions is to support continued investment in local and international digital connectivity, provide broader access to the internet, and strengthen the resilience of Malta’s national infrastructure. Malta Diġitali relies on a market driven approach which seems feasible considering the high population density.
The Malta Information Technology Agency (MITA) published its MITA Strategy 2023-2026. The strategy aims to facilitate the modernisation of the Public Administration through technology direction and digital solutions.
Malta issued a National Roadmap for the UHF band between 470 –790 MHz in 2018, as well as a discussion paper and survey 5G Demand and Future Business Models. Towards a Feasible 5G Deployment in 2019, with references to Gigabit Society 5G targets.
Malta’s Recovery and Resilience Plan foresees EUR 67.6 million (26%) to the digital transformation. A large part thereof is expected to contribute to the Digital Decade targets. Yet none of the RRP measures is dedicated to digital infrastructure targets.
Data on broadband development and technologies in Malta
For the latest data on broadband coverage, subscriptions and penetrations, coverage of different broadband technologies check the country reports of the Digital Economy & Society Index (DESI).
Spectrum assignments for wireless broadband
For details on harmonised spectrum assignments consult the European 5G Observatory report.
National and EU publications and press documents
English
- Malta Diġitali 2022-2027
- Malta Information Society homepage
- Broadband Investment Handbook
- Mobile and Fixed Broadband Prices in Europe 2022
- Study on National Broadband Plans in the EU27
- Broadband Connectivity Reports and Analyses
Contact information
BCO Malta (national Broadband Competence Office): Malta Communications Authority
Address: Valletta Waterfront, Pinto Wharf, Floriana, FRN 1913, Malta
Contact via email
Phone: +35 6 9943 4552
Website
Office of the Prime Minister, Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation
Address: Auberge de Castille, Valletta VLT 1061, Malta
Contact via email
Phone: +356 2200 1467
Website
Malta Information Technology Agency
Address: Gattard House, National Road, Blata l-Bajda HMR 9010, Malta
Contact via email
Phone: +35 621 23 47 10
Website
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