2005: The year of new technologies
The most important development in the Maltese technology scene during 2005 was the launch of the strategy for the implementation of new technologies in the field of television and internet access and data technologies.
Multiplus and Maltacom were granted a license to provide Digital Terrestrial TV (DTTV) and the former has already launched commercially.
Go Mobile and Vodafone Malta were granted a license to provide 3G mobile communication, which will allow video communication, faster internet access and interactive services on mobile phones. Both operators said they will launch their 3G network next year.
Cellcom, Vodafone Malta and Go Mobile were granted a license to provide Broadband Wireless Access, a technology will provide broadband internet access comparable to ADSL but without the need of a telephone line or TV cable.
Earlier in the year the government launched a national broadband strategy, aimed at seeking to reach the maximum number of residential and commercial users possible.
Another initiative, aimed at reducing the digital divide, is a programme of 14 initiatives, called Hello IT to be established over the next two years. The initiatives are intended for people who cannot afford to buy a computer or Internet access, and for those who still do not know how to use them.
In October Skylogic Italia S.p.A., a 100 per cent subsidiary of Eutelsat S.A., the largest satellite company in Europe and the third largest in the world and Maltasat International Ltd have joined forces to launch WINS (Wideband Interactive Network via Satellites) to extend GSM connectivity and Internet access to places which lack traditional means of communications. The first target market will be ferries and cruise ships and commercial trials will start in the coming weeks.
Despite all these developments, the European Commission sent letters to Malta and other 10 European Union member states for failing to implement properly EU rules on electronic communications, including telecommunications.
The Malta Journalism Awards once again awarded MaltaMedia, this time it was the turn of Pierre J. Mejlak, with an e-journalism award.
MaltaMedia was also very active with the launch of more blogs and the launch of new podcasts. A new series of cartoons by MagnumT was also launched.
The most important development in the Maltese technology scene during 2005 was the launch of the strategy for the implementation of new technologies in the field of television and internet access and data technologies.
Multiplus and Maltacom were granted a license to provide Digital Terrestrial TV (DTTV) and the former has already launched commercially.
Go Mobile and Vodafone Malta were granted a license to provide 3G mobile communication, which will allow video communication, faster internet access and interactive services on mobile phones. Both operators said they will launch their 3G network next year.
Cellcom, Vodafone Malta and Go Mobile were granted a license to provide Broadband Wireless Access, a technology will provide broadband internet access comparable to ADSL but without the need of a telephone line or TV cable.
Earlier in the year the government launched a national broadband strategy, aimed at seeking to reach the maximum number of residential and commercial users possible.
Another initiative, aimed at reducing the digital divide, is a programme of 14 initiatives, called Hello IT to be established over the next two years. The initiatives are intended for people who cannot afford to buy a computer or Internet access, and for those who still do not know how to use them.
In October Skylogic Italia S.p.A., a 100 per cent subsidiary of Eutelsat S.A., the largest satellite company in Europe and the third largest in the world and Maltasat International Ltd have joined forces to launch WINS (Wideband Interactive Network via Satellites) to extend GSM connectivity and Internet access to places which lack traditional means of communications. The first target market will be ferries and cruise ships and commercial trials will start in the coming weeks.
Despite all these developments, the European Commission sent letters to Malta and other 10 European Union member states for failing to implement properly EU rules on electronic communications, including telecommunications.
The Malta Journalism Awards once again awarded MaltaMedia, this time it was the turn of Pierre J. Mejlak, with an e-journalism award.
MaltaMedia was also very active with the launch of more blogs and the launch of new podcasts. A new series of cartoons by MagnumT was also launched.