The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) has cancelled the auction process for the award of spectrum in the 800MHz band. The regulator says that all three candidates in the bidding process – incumbent operators Vodafone Malta, GO and Melita – withdrew their applications concurrently. The MCA has not given a reason for the operators’ change of heart.
The MCA was looking to award 60MHz of spectrum in the 800MHz ‘digital dividend’ band (791MHz-821MHz paired with 832MHz-862MHz), suitable for 4G LTE services. TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database notes that Vodafone and GO have already introduced LTE technology using 1800MHz and 2600MHz frequencies, while Melita has still to announce plans for a commercial 4G launch.