Vodafone to provide Internet using GO fibre-to-the-home network

Communication giants Go plc and Vodafone Malta have reached a ground-breaking agreement for Vodafone to provide Internet services over GO’s FTTH (fibre-to-the-home) network. 

The two companies dubbed it a “pioneering move” for the efficiency by which the parties arrived to this commercial collaboration. 

“It is the first of its kind in Malta and will provide access to next-generation Internet infrastructure over FTTH technology. Consumers should benefit from more competitive pricing and better-quality services due to faster fixed broadband from both service providers,” the Malta Communications Authority said. 

“A competitive environment will continue to flourish as the respective operators will provide different services based on their unique business strategies. Furthermore the sharing of ready-built infrastructure means that less intervention in Malta’s urban and rural landscape is needed for advancement in telecoms connectivity,” the MCA said. 

In the coming six months the parties should finalise all technical details for this service to commence. 

The MCA had defined the regulatory requirements for such an agreement to be possible in line with EU norms, facilitated a successful outcome to the negotiations, and will continue to ensure the effective development of this venture. 

In a separate statement, GO CEO Nikhil Patil said the investment continued to confirm the company as the "main investor in Malta's successful telecommunications infrastructure, enabling operators to service their customers better". 

“GO has been investing millions every year to ensure a robust telecommunications infrastructure that can service the increased demand and to support Malta and its growing economy. We have done so at great expense, effort and risk so that Malta can be at the forefront when it comes to technology and telecommunications because, as a Maltese-grown company, GO sees, understands, and strives to exceed people’s and businesses’ expectations. GO is proud of this investment that delivered the required infrastructure for Government to realise its vision for Malta to become the blockchain island.”

Patil remarked that not all operators have the will, nor the propensity to invest in Malta the way GO has been investing in FTTH across the islands over the past years, GO said, adding that it plans to be the only operator with a fibre network reaching the majority of Maltese households.

The company also noted that "one must not forgeet the regulatory obligations currently being imposed on GO which make it easier for other operators to ride on its existing infrastructures". 

Patil assured GO shareholders that the company is keeping its investment options under constant review and will adhere to its duty to invest only when sustainable rates of return are foreseeable.