Feasibility study on new submarine fibre optic cable launched

Parliamentary secretary Jose Herrera today launched a feasibility study that aims to investigate the possibility of a new submarine fibre optic cable between Malta and the European mainland. 

Only one such cable currently exists- between Malta and Sicily. 

The study will be carried out through €100,000 of EU funds. A tender for entities interested in carrying out the study has been released.

The study seeks to analyse a number of submarine configurations and topologies, including a number of landing points and cable routes, as well as verifying the financial viability of introducing a new cable.

Once the options have been analysed, the study is expected to yield recommendations for sources of funding and which model would be the best commercially and financially viable solution. 

"The aim of this project is to improve the adaptability and quality of our telecommunications connections," Herrera said. "Modern economies are dependant on high-quality bandwith and global connectivity. Malta's success in the ICT and e-gaming sectors is mainly due to factors such as high quality communication networks.

"As an island, we need to enhance our competitiveneess in the information sector and this initiative is crucial for Malta;s digutal future as a hub for the services industry."

This study is part of the national digital strategy, launched in March 2014, and was included in last year's budget. "Malta's duty is to continue investing in stronger technology."

The study is expected to yield results by the end of this year.