2007: Technology
by Martin Debattista, MaltaMedia's Editorial Director
The year 2007 presented some important developments in the technology sector in the Maltese Islands, with the most important being the start of the SmartCity Malta project and the launch of the new National ICT Strategy.
On the 23rd April the Maltese Government and TECOM Investments of Dubai have signed an agreement to found SmartCity Malta at the site occupied by the Ricasoli Industrial Estate. The signing was jointly presided over by the Minister for Investments, Industry and Information Technology (IT) Dr. Austin Gatt and TECOM Chairman Mr Ahmad bin Byat, leading a senior delegation from the company. Throughout the year preparations were made in Ricasoli for the start of the project and the masterplan was unveiled in September.
A call for tenders to supply 15,000 computers on lease for government departments landed the government in trouble. The Ministry for Investment, Industry and Information Technology (IT) rebuffed the Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises’ (GRTU) claim that acquiring computer systems on a lease agreement gives no comparative economic advantage. The Ministry insisted against the suspension of a tender call for suppliers to lease IT to the government for the next five years, as requested by the GRTU on the premise that the process would create “a new monopoly or oligopoly and destroy completely the large array of small businesses operating in this sector.”
June witnessed two important developments in the local communications sector. Maltacom Group was rebranded as GO reflecting the company’s position as Malta’s sole quadruple-play organisation covering fixed voice, mobile, broadband Internet and digital television.
Vodafone Malta launched all-inclusive packages for fixed line, internet and mobile services with its new broadband wireless access service based on the WiMax technology. The company was the first to launch WiMax in Malta.
In July GMT Communications Partners (GMT), the leading European independent private equity group focused exclusively on the communications sector, has signed an agreement to acquire Melita Cable plc from Nasdaq listed Liberty Global and the Gasan Group of Companies. GMT will have a majority shareholding and the Gasan Group will retain a minority interest. This effectively means Melita Cable will become owner of a 3G mobile license.
Cheaper Mobile phone calls abroad within the EU under new limits set by the European Commission were enforced as from the end of September. Malta’s two mobile operators offered the new lower Eurotariff in summer.
The new academic year at the University of Malta also witnessed the new Faculty of ICT opening its gates for the first time. Another important education-related initiative was the launch in December of a consultation process which will lead to a national strategy on e-learning.
In October The Ministry for Investment, Industry and IT has announced that it has entered into the sixth Vertical Strategic Alliance (VSA) agreement with ESRI, a reputable ICT company. ESRI, founded in 1969, is a market leader in GIS technology and its software is used in more than 300,000 organisations worldwide.
182 different measures aimed to continue Malta’s advancement as a centre of excellence in information technology and communication were launched by the Government a few days before Christmas. These form the basis for the draft ICT strategy for Malta for the period 2008 – 2010 launched in November.
MaltaMedia continued in its tradition to be at the forefront in the use of technology. Toni Sant's Mużika Mod Ieħor 2007 Listeners' Picks poll was open for votes on Facebook for the first time. This year, an exclusive application has been developed by James Attard for Facebook to ensure that voting is more fair and visible.
MaltaMedia Online News has won the Maltese language award and has placed second in the e-journalism category of the Malta Journalism Awards announced by the Malta Institute of Journalists. This was the fourth award for MaltaMedia at these awards.
by Martin Debattista, MaltaMedia's Editorial Director
The year 2007 presented some important developments in the technology sector in the Maltese Islands, with the most important being the start of the SmartCity Malta project and the launch of the new National ICT Strategy.
On the 23rd April the Maltese Government and TECOM Investments of Dubai have signed an agreement to found SmartCity Malta at the site occupied by the Ricasoli Industrial Estate. The signing was jointly presided over by the Minister for Investments, Industry and Information Technology (IT) Dr. Austin Gatt and TECOM Chairman Mr Ahmad bin Byat, leading a senior delegation from the company. Throughout the year preparations were made in Ricasoli for the start of the project and the masterplan was unveiled in September.A call for tenders to supply 15,000 computers on lease for government departments landed the government in trouble. The Ministry for Investment, Industry and Information Technology (IT) rebuffed the Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises’ (GRTU) claim that acquiring computer systems on a lease agreement gives no comparative economic advantage. The Ministry insisted against the suspension of a tender call for suppliers to lease IT to the government for the next five years, as requested by the GRTU on the premise that the process would create “a new monopoly or oligopoly and destroy completely the large array of small businesses operating in this sector.”
June witnessed two important developments in the local communications sector. Maltacom Group was rebranded as GO reflecting the company’s position as Malta’s sole quadruple-play organisation covering fixed voice, mobile, broadband Internet and digital television.
Vodafone Malta launched all-inclusive packages for fixed line, internet and mobile services with its new broadband wireless access service based on the WiMax technology. The company was the first to launch WiMax in Malta.
In July GMT Communications Partners (GMT), the leading European independent private equity group focused exclusively on the communications sector, has signed an agreement to acquire Melita Cable plc from Nasdaq listed Liberty Global and the Gasan Group of Companies. GMT will have a majority shareholding and the Gasan Group will retain a minority interest. This effectively means Melita Cable will become owner of a 3G mobile license.
Cheaper Mobile phone calls abroad within the EU under new limits set by the European Commission were enforced as from the end of September. Malta’s two mobile operators offered the new lower Eurotariff in summer.The new academic year at the University of Malta also witnessed the new Faculty of ICT opening its gates for the first time. Another important education-related initiative was the launch in December of a consultation process which will lead to a national strategy on e-learning.
In October The Ministry for Investment, Industry and IT has announced that it has entered into the sixth Vertical Strategic Alliance (VSA) agreement with ESRI, a reputable ICT company. ESRI, founded in 1969, is a market leader in GIS technology and its software is used in more than 300,000 organisations worldwide.
182 different measures aimed to continue Malta’s advancement as a centre of excellence in information technology and communication were launched by the Government a few days before Christmas. These form the basis for the draft ICT strategy for Malta for the period 2008 – 2010 launched in November.
MaltaMedia continued in its tradition to be at the forefront in the use of technology. Toni Sant's Mużika Mod Ieħor 2007 Listeners' Picks poll was open for votes on Facebook for the first time. This year, an exclusive application has been developed by James Attard for Facebook to ensure that voting is more fair and visible.
MaltaMedia Online News has won the Maltese language award and has placed second in the e-journalism category of the Malta Journalism Awards announced by the Malta Institute of Journalists. This was the fourth award for MaltaMedia at these awards.