Maltese fixed and mobile operator GO has launched its first LTE-A 4G cellular services under the name ‘4G+’. The firm says existing 4G customers will be able to use the new service on a nationwide basis at no extra cost, benefitting from download speeds of up to 210Mbps and improved indoor coverage. The launch follows the recent award of 800MHz and 2600MHz spectrum by the Malta Communications Authority (MCA).
GO’s CEO Nikhil Patil, said: ‘Today is an important day for GO, and for Malta, as we continue to invest in what is already one of the best mobile networks in Europe. GO is not only able to deliver fibre-connected 4G+ nationwide with immediate effect but has also put in place the foundations for 5G.’
Rival cellco Vodafone Malta switched on its own LTE-A networks in June 17, though coverage was initially limited to the island of Gozo, with services being launched on Malta three months later. Vodafone claimed 45.5% of Malta’s mobile market at the end of 2017, according to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database, while GO took 36.3% and smallest operator Melita claimed 18.2%.