In line with Malta’s strategy to strengthen its offering to the international ICT industry, the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) has launched a licensing scheme to permit the testing of wireless communications on the radio frequency spectrum, making use of related radio communication equipment as required. As a result Malta has sung the industry’s praises for offering a competitive venue for the testing of wireless communication frequencies.
ICT businesses are already benefitting from this scheme. A case in point is the licensing of Norwegian company Aeromobile AS by the MCA which has opted for Malta as its base to conduct the testing of mobile communication equipment destined for in-flight use on board aeroplanes.
Two types of licences are available: one for technology tests and the other for service trials which affect third parties. The possibility for testing in an industry friendly jurisdiction helps ensure that the providers of such technologies are in compliance with requisite EU standards in terms of the equipment and services on offer.
The MCA licensing regime is geared to facilitate the testing of technologies and services which are still not fully developed, offers the possibility for an accelerated licensing procedure, as well as attractive licence conditions and fees which are sure to make Malta the jurisdiction of choice for many more of such wireless communication providers.
