In November 2012, a new Commission Implementing Decision (2012/688/EU), on the harmonisation of the frequency bands 1 920-1 980 MHz and 2 110-2 170 MHz for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services in the Union, was published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
In view of this Decision, the MCA intends to amend the technical annex of the relevant licences granting the rights of use of radio frequencies for the establishment and operation of a third generation mobile communications network to reflect the conditions established in the 2012/688/EU Decision. As a result of this amendment licensees will be in a position to deploy new technologies, such as LTE, in this band.
The Authority will be implementing these amendments in line with article 15.2 of the said licences which gives the Authority the right to amend existing licences in case of international harmonisation measures, subject to an appropriate period of notice to any party affected by such a change.
These amendments should not be interpreted as providing for an extension of the rights of use granted by the existing licences.
Any submissions are to be received in writing by the Chief of Spectrum Management & Technology, on email address spectrum@mca.org.mt by not later than 4.00 p.m. on Tuesday, 24 June 2014.
Following this process the Authority will proceed with issuing the amended licences.