Broadband as a Universal Service: Ensuring the availability of an adequate broadband internet access service, including the underlying connection, at a fixed location

CLOSED CONSULTATION

From:	Ministry for Finance and Financial Services
	(Malta Communications Authority)
Published on:	28 August 2020
Running till:	8 October 2020
Last Updated:	9 October 2020

1. Background

The availability of an adequate and reliable broadband internet access service is today a crucial enabler for participation in the digital economy and society. The coronavirus pandemic is a clear reminder on how dependent we are on the internet and, by implication, on the underlying high-speed broadband infrastructure. It is essential that citizens and businesses are able to access an adequate broadband internet access service, regardless of where they live or work.

Whilst under the current EU regulatory framework broadband as a universal service refers only to a fixed connection permitting functional internet access at an established minimum data rate, the new regulatory framework, referred to as the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC), now includes access to an available adequate broadband internet access service, including the underlying connection, at a fixed location within the scope of the universal service.

This consultation document proposes the minimum functional characteristics of an adequate broadband internet access service for Malta. It also depicts the approach to be used by the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) in safeguarding the availability of an adequate broadband internet access service as a universal service.

The MCA is seeking the views and comments of all interested parties on the proposals put forward in this consultation document so that all opinions may be considered in the process of deciding on the specific requirements.

2. Documents

Broadband as a Universal Service - Ensuring the availability of an adequate broadband internet access service, including the underlying connection, at a fixed location.pdf

Help viewing documents

3. Submission of input

Submissions were sent in through the following channels:

By email: policy.mca@mca.org.mt

By post: Chief of Policy and Planning
Malta Communications Authority
Valletta Waterfront
Floriana FRN1913

Submissions were received by 8 October 2020.

We thank you for your input.

Data Protection Statement the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act (Chapter 586)

The General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act Chapter 586 regulate the processing of personal data whether held electronically or in manual form. The Ministry for European Affairs and Equality collects only information which is necessary for it to perform its intended functions and is set to fully comply with the Data Protection Principles as set out in the Data Protection Legislation. Verification of the ID number provided will take place as deemed necessary. All personal data provided will be processed according to the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act (Cap 586).

In addition, please be aware of:

· Disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (Chapter 496)

As we are a public authority all documents we hold, including documents related to this public consultation process, may be released following a request to us under the Freedom of Information Act (Chap. 496), unless such request may be subject of an exemption arising from the same Act.

www.konsultazzjoni.gov.mt

Click on the 'Online Consultation' logo to go to the Public Consultations main page.