We were the first mobile company to bring 4G to Malta, and now it’s time to build a new network. The financing gives us credibility and helps us accelerate the project.
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Summary sheet
Release date
10 September 2021
Status
Reference
Signed | 22/04/2022
20210442
Project name
Promoter - financial intermediary
EPIC MALTA MOBILE AND FIXED NETWORK EVOLUTION
EPIC COMMUNICATIONS LTD
Proposed EIB finance (Approximate amount)
Total cost (Approximate amount)
EUR 20 million
EUR 43 million
Description
Objectives
The project concerns investments in the upgrade of the Promoter's mobile network with advanced 4G/LTE, early deployment of 5G, roll-out of fixed very high capacity (VHC) network as well as upgrades to the core network and the IT systems. The project implementation is planned for the years 2021 to 2024.
The Fiber to the Home (FTTH) access component of the project aims to cover the main villages of Malta with FTTH. The project's mobile component foresees deployment of the new generation equipment in order to benefit from the superior roadmap and performance as part of the 5G rollout strategy and plans. At project completion, the Promoter foresees a nationwide 70% coverage of 5G services.
Additionality and Impact
The project contributes to the policy objectives of Innovation and Digitalisation. It concerns investments to upgrade the mobile telecommunications network and initiate the expansion of the fixed telecommunications network operated by the promoter in Malta. Investments in innovative telecommunications infrastructure face an uncertain business model due to significant investment costs in front of uncertain revenue flows, which leads to delayed availability of services with significant economic costs for the consumers. The project will accelerate the deployment of innovative telecommunication technologies and thus generate positive network externalities by enabling more users to benefit from improved and faster access to information and innovative digital services. The project also generates further externalities to other sectors of the economy by supporting innovation and competitiveness. These benefits are not fully captured by the project revenues. The promoter is experienced in the design and operation of telecommunication networks, being the first company offering mobile services in Malta. The promoter has an experienced management team and in-depth understanding of market needs and drivers, which will support project implementation, results delivery and address the market failures. The EIB contribution resides in the diversification, flexibility and positive signaling effect from the financing of thematic projects.
Environmental aspects
Procurement
Investments in fixed and mobile telecommunications projects do not fall under Annex I or II of the EIA Directive 2014/52/EU amending the Directive 2011/92/EU. The systems have limited environmental effects, apart from disturbances during civil work constructions, which will be mitigated by appropriate measures.
The Promoter has been assessed by the EIB as being a private company not subject to EU rules on public procurement or concessions. However, if at the project appraisal, the EIB were to conclude that the Promoter is subject to EU public procurement legislation then the Bank would duly inform the Commission Services and would require the Promoter to apply those rules.
Related documents
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Summary sheet
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Disclaimer
Before financing approval by the Board of Directors, and before loan signature, projects are under appraisal and negotiation. The information and data provided on this page are therefore indicative.
They are provided for transparency purposes only and cannot be considered to represent official EIB policy (see also the Explanatory notes).
Documents
Environmental and Social Data Sheet (ESDS) - EPIC MALTA MOBILE AND FIXED NETWORK EVOLUTION
Publication Date
22 Feb 2022
Document language
Main Topic
Lending
Document Number
150872882
Document Focus
Environmental Information
Document Type
Project Number
20210442
Sector(s)
Regions
Countries
Publicly available
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News & Stories
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Inside the project
How and Why
Supporting Malta’s digital transformation
Why
- Modernise Malta’s 5G network for better speed, coverage, and connectivity
- Support tourism, finance, and information technology sectors that are important for Malta’s economy
- Boost the island’s digitalisation and help it become a digital powerhouse
How
- Enable Epic to continue its network expansion and the rollout of its 5G network
- Deploy ultrafast fibre-to-the-home infrastructure in parts of the island
- Upgrade over 300 sites with new technology
Sectors & Countries
Play video
3:03
Having reliable connectivity to download new things and to communicate fast is integral to an island. Malta needs to be connected to the rest of the world to remain competitive and to progress.
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.
What is 5G?
5G, or fifth-generation wireless technology, represents a significant advancement in mobile communications. It operates on higher frequency bands, and it aims to create a networks that connects everyone and everything, from people to machines and objects.
5G also offers:
- Faster speeds then 4G, enabling quicker downloads, smoother streaming, and reduced latency
- Reduced latency that is crucial for applications like autonomous vehicles, remote surgery, and augmented reality, where split-second reactions are essential
- Greater capacity to accommodate a significantly larger number of devices simultaneously, from smart home appliances to industrial sensors
- More reliable connections even in crowded areas or during peak times
- Innovative applications, such as augmented and virtual reality experiences, remote telemedicine, and smart manufacturing, ushering in a new era of technological possibilities
- Lower energy consumption by about 50% to 95% when all data traffic is moved to 5G networks
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