Summary of broadband development in Malta
Malta has already achieved the target of 100% broadband coverage with 30 Mbps. The 2020 target for 50% of households with subscriptions over 100 Mbps was addressed in the Digital Malta Strategy 2014-2020.
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. This includes empowering people to have the skills and awareness about how the internet can be used, for example, to achieve a better quality of life, through to personalised information on eGov portals, e-commerce and internet banking and facilities for health and social care. In addition, the MCA has a number of initiatives with a particular focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to support economic growth. This includes the promotion of cloud computing as a business innovator/enabler, mentoring, training and advice specifically targeted at the use of digitally-enabled technologies and other focused activities to support business growth, especially amongst SMEs.
Main aims for broadband development
Malta has published the Digital Malta Strategy 2014-2020. Priority activities for Malta are the further deployment of broadband infrastructure. Malta´s strategy aims at securing 100% coverage with 30 Mbps and 50% take-up rate for 100 Mbps by 2020. The implementation of this national policy includes technology neutrality and a competitive environment. Malta’s digital strategy emphasises both supply and demand-side related aspects in network roll-out, the sharing of existing infrastructure, as well as the promotion of IPv6 as a preparation for the Internet of Things (IoT).
The new Malta Digital Strategy, encompassing the National Broadband Plan, is in preparation and its publication is delayed.
Data on broadband development and technologies in Malta
For the latest data on broadband coverage, subscriptions and penetrations, coverage of different broadband technologies and costs check the scoreboard reports and 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.
National & EU publications and press documents
English
- Digital Malta Strategy 2014-2020
- Malta Information Society homepage
- Malta Communications Authority Strategy Update for 2020 - 2022
- Study on National Broadband Plans
- Guide to High-Speed Broadband Investment
- Broadband Connectivity Reports and Analyses
- Mobile and fixed broadband prices in Europe
- Study on broadband coverage in Europe
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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Big Picture
Find current information on broadband development in each country, as well as national strategies and policies for developing broadband.
See Also
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Slovakia has set the long-term objective of providing all households with access to ultra-fast internet by 2030.
Romania’s broadband plan focuses on building up a national broadband network as a first step towards achieving the EU connectivity targets.
The Agenda Portugal Digital aims at development of a digital infrastructure that allows citizens to take advantage of the new opportunities offered by technologies.
Poland’s national broadband plan 2025 is in line with the EU’s Gigabit Society targets.
All households in the Netherlands should have the opportunity to access broadband networks of at least 100 Mbps and a vast majority should be taking advantage of 1 Gbps by 2023.
The development of a communication infrastructure with a target of gigabit broadband access throughout the country is one of the priorities in the governmental programme of Luxembourg.
Lithuania aims to provide 100 Mbps by 2027 to rural areas as well supporting the Gigabit society targets 2025.
Latvia supports the Gigabit society targets and aims at 100 Mbps, upgradable to gigabit, for urban and rural areas as well as 5G coverage for all large urban areas.
The Italian Strategy for Ultra Broadband Towards the Gigabit Society aims to provide gigabit connectivity to all by 2026.
The national broadband plan for Ireland foresees that by 2026 all premises in Ireland will have access to high-speed broadband.
Hungary’s draft National Digitalisation Strategy 2021-2030 aims to achieve a target of 95% of households covered by gigabit networks by 2030.
The Greek Digital Transformation Bible 2020-2025 highlights connectivity as one of the five strategic axes and acknowledges the Gigabit Society 2025 targets.
The 2021 coalition agreement, the Digital Strategy and the Gigabit Strategy 2022 of the German Federal Government prioritise the nationwide supply of FTTH and 5G networks.
The national broadband programme France Très Haut Débit sets a target of fast broadband access for all households by 2022 and fibre for all by 2025.
The Finnish authorities favour a competition-driven, fibre-based network roll-out assisted by public funds for underserved areas and advice for local municipalities on how to deploy broadband networks.
Estonia has established basic broadband coverage throughout the country. The Estonian Digital Agenda sets ambitious targets for 2030.
A number of political initiatives aiming at nation-wide fixed and mobile broadband coverage support Danish broadband goals. The Government works towards making Denmark a digital frontrunner by creating a foundation for Danish businesses to exploit digital technologies.
The National Plan for the Development of Very High Capacity Networks, approved in March 2021, defines the strategic approach of the Czech Republic to the construction of VHCN.
Cyprus’ broadband plan sets strategic objectives for 2021-2025 and includes legislative and regulatory interventions as well as practical support for the development of broadband infrastructure.
Croatian National Plan for Broadband Development 2021–2027 responds to the European Gigabit Society objectives 2025 and partially to the 2030 digital targets.
The National Broadband Infrastructure Plan for Next Generation Access "Connected Bulgaria" and the Policy on electronic communications were updated and adopted in August 2020.
Belgium’s broadband strategy is incorporated into a broader policy strategy Digital Belgium. The aim of the national plan for fixed and mobile broadband is to eliminate the remaining white areas where high speed services are unavailable. By lowering costs and reducing...
Austria’s broadband strategy focuses on the nationwide supply of Gigabit connections (fixed and mobile) by 2030.