The proliferation, on a national scale, of high-speed broadband networks is an objective of primary importance that is shared by the Maltese Government and the EU in equal measure. The EU Commission has set two ambitious broadband targets to be achieved by 2020, namely: 30 megabits per second (Mbps) broadband speeds available to 100% of households, and at least having 50% of these households subscribing to speeds over 100Mbps.
Addressing a press conference this morning, the Hon. Dr Herrera stated that ‘Malta has already reached the 30Mbps objective, however more needs to be done in order to reach the 100Mbps uptake target.’ ‘Beyond the numbers, take-up of high speed broadband is felt to be a necessary target with a view to accelerating the development of society and of the economy. Facilitating the deployment of multiple Next Generation Access networks, will contribute towards its attainment by increasing choice and overall lowering sector costs,’ he continued.
Whilst the envisaged measures being proposed as part of this consultation process serve to address a number of objectives outlined in the Government’s electoral mandate, the Hon. Dr Herrera highlighted that one of the measures is the setting of standards for in-building infrastructures. This is a ‘first’ for Malta that brings the installation of electronic communications within buildings in line with other utilities and services. New buildings, for which plans are submitted from 2017 onward, will be high-speed ready.
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