A company modernises the island’s 5G network in Malta, providing better coverage and connectivity for remote working and economic development
Imagine that you are on holiday in Malta. You’re visiting Gozo, a small and tranquil island west of the main island. You’re relaxing on one of its nice beaches. Surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and rugged landscapes, you succumb to a peaceful nap. Startled awake by the setting sun, you need to make your way back to your hotel. But your mobile phone has no network coverage, making it impossible to check the return boat schedule.
Epic Communication, known as Epic, wants to make sure that this doesn’t happen — by bringing better 5G network to the island.
“We will upgrade over 300 sites with new technology, allowing us to deploy 5G on the whole island,” says Antoine Galea, Epic’s chief technology and information officer. “To support the new network, we will also expand our fibre-optic coverage to more areas in the country.”
The European Investment Bank signed a €20 million loan with Epic in April 2022. By providing better speeds, connectivity, and coverage, the project will help Malta’s residents, businesses, and economy.
Why a good connection is important
The importance of network connectivity cannot be overstated in today's digital age. We rely daily on seamless connectivity to navigate a multitude of tasks, from communication and entertainment to business and education. It also plays a pivotal role in the modern economy by fostering innovation, digital transformation and supporting the green transition. A reliable and robust network can improve remote working, telecommuting and global connectivity, while attracting investment, boosting productivity and enhancing economic competitiveness.
As a small island nation, Malta relies heavily on sectors such as tourism, finance and information technology. A better network can enhance these sectors by providing faster and more stable connectivity, benefiting businesses, entrepreneurs and visitors.
“Having reliable connectivity to download new things and to communicate fast is integral to an island,” says Galea. “Malta needs to be connected to the rest of the world to remain competitive and to progress.”
Supporting Malta’s digital transformation
Modernising mobile infrastructure is costly and challenging. It requires extensive planning, installing new towers or upgrading existing ones, and addressing concerns related to aesthetics and health.
With its loan, Epic can continue its network expansion plan and the rollout of its 5G network to reach nationwide coverage in the country by 2023. The financing will also help Epic deploy ultrafast fibre-to-the-home infrastructure in parts of Malta.
The funding is in line with Malta’s Smart Specialisation Strategy 2021–2027, which aims to support the island’s digital transformation and innovation activities
“We were the first mobile company to bring 4G to Malta, and now it’s time to build a new network,” says Galea. “The financing gives us credibility and helps us accelerate the project.”
A more connected future
Malta wants to become a European digital powerhouse by 2031. To achieve this, the government adopted a 10-year economic plan based on five pillars:
- sustainable economic growth
- infrastructure
- education
- good governance
- the environment.
“The improvement of Malta’s physical and digital infrastructure and connectivity is crucial for Malta’s vision,” says Andres Gavira Etzel, a lead engineer at the European Investment Bank, who worked on the deal. “Epic’s project will contribute significantly to this aim and boost the critical transformation of digitalisation to promote innovation activities in Malta.”
The project has a social dimension, too.
Malta’s people will be able to access better services and new technologies and applications, changing their everyday lives. Improved broadband services will help people work flexibly. It will also add jobs by encouraging more companies to establish themselves in the country.
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