Proposed Decision on the Source of Funding for the net cost incurred in providing universal service obligations during 2016

In accordance with national law, the designated undertaking providing universal services, GO plc, has the right to seek to receive funds for the net costs it incurred to provide part or all of the universal services. In December 2017, the MCA received an application from GO plc claiming funding for the net costs believed to have been incurred during the financial year 2016. As was the case in previous claims, the MCA commissioned a reputable audit firm as an independent body to analyse and audit the application received. Following the audit carried out, the total net costs after deducting intangible benefits for providing universal services amounted to €66,438.

The MCA had published a consultation and proposed decision titled ‘Review of GO plc’s application for funding of the net costs claimed to have been incurred to provide universal service obligations during 2016’. Subsequently a decision notice was published based on its proposed decisions.

A proposed decision is now being published on the source of funding of the net cost found to be incurred by GO for providing specific universal services during 2016. Following an analysis by the MCA on the final assessment of the claim for funding in relation to the USOs provided by GO, during 2016, and in line with a decision by the Government of Malta, the established total amount of €66,438 may be financed from public funds.

The consultation period shall run from the 2^nd November to the 17^th November 2020.