April 2018: Highlights and Activities

International Meetings attended by MCA representatives

BEREC Roaming/Mobile - Expert Working Group on Mobile Issues
An MCA official attended the BEREC Mobile Expert Working Group (EWG) which was held in Brussels, Belgium on the 24th April 2018. A common position on the monitoring of mobile coverage amongst the EU member states was one of the agenda items in discussion during the meeting. In addition the topic of mobile coverage was also discussed in view of the suitable coverage obligations required for the successful deployment of 5G services.

DG-MARKT - EU Market Postal Statistics
A representative of the MCA participated in the DG-MARKT EU Market Postal Statistics meeting held in Brussels, Belgium on the 23rd April 2018. The meeting was intended to discuss the outcome of the postal statistics collected from the Commission, to review the EC Postal Questionnaire especially in relation to the Cross-Border Parcel Regulation and NRA experiences on the postal data collection.

BEREC – End-User Working Group – Kick off meeting
The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) participated in BEREC’s End-User Working Group (EU EWG) meeting, held in Brussels, Belgium on 18th April 2018. Discussions kicked off on two work streams assigned to this year’s Programme, namely the publication of two separate reports on:
i. Contractual simplification; and
ii. Termination of contracts and switching of provider.
During the meeting, participants discussed the scope and main deliverables of these work streams and agreed on the timelines and the milestones to be achieved. Experts from European NRAs will be involved in these work streams throughout the year and will have the opportunity to provide their contributions accordingly.

BEREC Training on Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications
MCA was represented in the BEREC National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) training in Brussels, Belgium on the 17th and 18th April 2018. This course is divided into four sessions with the last training session held this April. The BEREC NRA training programme provided training on the regulatory framework and other issues related to BEREC activities.

Commission Kick-off Workshop on Mobile Cost Modelling
The MCA attended a kick-off workshop on the European Commission’s mobile cost-modelling project in Brussels, Belgium on the 10th April 2018. The European Commission's mobile cost-modelling project will be used for revised Wholesale Roaming Rates and (subject to confirmation of political agreement between the European Council and the EP) for a single EU Mobile Termination Rate. The project timeframes and various methodological issues were presented at the meeting. National operators will be allowed to submit their representations through their National Regulatory Authorities as part of the consultation process.

Coding our Future - Mobility Project
The MCA was represented by 4 officials in an IS Mobility Project, held in Talinn, Estonia between the 10th and 12th April 2018. In order to keep abreast of the latest trends in targeting the digital divide, the MCA is leading a KA1 Erasmus+ project in mobility entitled 'Coding Our Future' with the aim being that of Knowledge exchange and job shadowing with other EU organisations in the same field.

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4 staff members were recently sent on job shadowing in Estonia with Youth in Science and Business Foundation. YSBF has been active with projects related to policy development, information technologies, young people, dissemination of novel ideas and innovative developments in science and business. They have been promoting fresh ideas and supporting innovation and creativity since YSBF's establishment in 2001. These collaborations, mainly involved the exchange of knowledge and experiences, also pave way for future partnerships when applying for funding through various European instruments.

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MCA Publications & Website Uploads

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Media participation by MCA

Television

26.04.18 ‘Fuq Net' – Net TV
(Tips when sending a letter - Yanika Bugeja)

19.04.18 ‘Fuq Net' – Net TV
(Different types of Postal Services - Matthew Farrugia)

18.04.18 ‘Ieqaf 20 Minuta' – One TV
(ICT Training for the Elderly - Mark Schembri)

12.04.18 ‘Fuq Net' – Net TV
(Premium Rate Numbers - Yanika Bugeja)

Radio

17.04.18 ‘Ta' Kullħadd' – RTK
(Roaming Part 2 - Matthew Farrugia)

17.04.18 ‘Ma' Simone Cini' – One Radio
(Online Safety - Mark Spiteri)

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Legal Updates

Pending Lawsuits

10th April 2018: GO plc vs MCA re appeal by GO contesting a regulatory decision on markets 4 and 5 [which was confirmed by ART] before the Court of Appeal (inferior) – adjourned to the 4th June 2018 for final judgment.
19th April 2018: Vodafone et vs MCA re LI contribution pending before the First Hall. Adjourned for final judgment for the 6th June 2018.

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Disclaimer

The information contained in this newsletter is for general information purposes only and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information contained therein. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.