The MCA was established on the 1st January 2001. The MCA is currently led by the MCA board.
The MCA is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of the electronic communications sector (telecommunications, radiocommunications and broadcasting transmission), eCommerce and the postal sector. More recently, the MCA became the responsible body for the implementation of national strategies and initiatives aimed at addressing the digital divide and proliferating the use of ICTs amongst private citizens and businesses.
The MCA's mission, mandate and functions derive from the Malta Communications Authority Act (Cap 418). The MCA is the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) for these sectors in accordance with EU law which is subsequently transposed into Maltese legislation. The MCA implements the following Acts:
The MCA is an organisation which has a wide range of responsibilities in electronic communications services and networks, eCommerce, postal services and spectrum management. The MCA is responsible for promoting competition, for protecting consumers and for encouraging innovation. Our job involves dealing with complex issues of law, economics and technology and ensuring that our decisions are taken fairly and are clearly explained.
The MCA enables competition in the communications sector by facilitating market entry through a general authorisation to provide networks and services and by regulating access to networks so as to develop effective choice for consumers both business and residential. In a rapidly evolving sector, both in technological and commercial terms, the MCA provides the framework for the introduction of new services.
The focus of regulation for the postal service in the partly liberalised market is the maintenance of the Universal Service Obligation (USO) and in ensuring that Maltapost's prices are geared to cost.
Our activities are geared to operators and business & residential users of communications services.
The Chairman is responsible for, and has the overall direction of the MCA. The Director General has an executive function and is reponsible for the day to day activities of the Authority. The Authority's executive structure is based on cross-functional teams operating in a multi-disciplinary environment.
