Visit by the Hon. Dr. Edward Zammit Lewis, Parliamentary Secretary for Competitiveness and Economic Growth
During a visit to the Malta Communications Authority today, the Hon. Dr. Zammit Lewis explained how he has been entrusted with a portfolio that covers competitiveness and economic growth. The communications sector is, without a doubt, a clear testament to both. This is a sector that strongly demonstrates the benefits of competition, particularly to end-users and how investment and innovation contributes to economic growth.
Hon. Dr. Zammit Lewis explained how this sector underpins the digital economy. Firstly, it is a fundamental component of the Maltese ICT industry - an industry, which continues to grow in importance. Indeed, as at October 2012, the ICT sector contributed approximately 4.55% to the Gross Domestic Product.
He noted that ‘More importantly, whether it is in the education, health, manufacturing, gaming or the financial sector, communications technologies are indispensible for innovation, increased efficiency and continued development.’ ‘They therefore result in increased opportunities for growth and better quality employment for our citizens,’ he continued.
During 2012, approximately 1.6 million mobile minutes were generated every day in Malta. This means that on a daily basis, the Maltese population spent the equivalent of a staggering 26.5 thousand hours using mobile telephony. Today, we have approximately 540 000 active mobile subscriptions, which translate into a penetration rate of 129.17%.
Hon. Dr. Zammit Lewis emphasised the significant impact broadband technology has also on the way we interact and communicate with each other. Whether for individual use or at the workplace, broadband Internet has provided us with continuous access to information, even whilst on the move. Business is no longer confined to an office but rather evolved into a far more efficient and effective operation.
‘Broadband penetration today stands at 32.81%. This means that 65.32% of households have an Internet connection,’ said Hon. Dr. Zammit Lewis. ‘We are also committed to ensuring that Malta has the broadband infrastructure which will allow our ambitious goals for the Digital Economy to be achieved. We are already evaluating the Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) project and will be deciding on the way forward in the coming weeks.’
The Parliamentary Secretary made reference to Governments drive to increase access to technology and ensuring that all our citizens have the required skills to be able to fully enjoy a digital lifestyle and the benefits this brings with it. In this regard, the Government is intent on expanding the availability of Wi-Fi in all public spaces and Government premises with the objective of establishing Malta as a Wi-Fi state.
‘I look forward to building on the successes of the past and working closely with the Malta Communications Authority and other market players to drive the initiatives set out in our manifesto to ensure that all citizens can enjoy quality services at affordable prices,’ concluded the Hon. Dr. Zammit Lewis.
