Consultation and Proposed Decision on Source of Funding for the net cost incurred in providing universal service obligations during 2021

In accordance with national law, a universal service provider in the electronic communications sector has the right to request compensation for the net cost it considers to have incurred in providing part or all of the universal services.

In 2022, the MCA received an application from GO plc (GO), as the universal service provider, seeking compensation for the net cost it claimed to have incurred in providing universal service obligations during the financial year 2021. The MCA commissioned Ernst & Young Limited (EY) as an independent body to review and verify GO’s application.

Following this review, the net cost, after deducting intangible benefits associated with the provision of universal services, was established at €117,604. In March 2026, the MCA published a consultation and proposed decision on the review of GO’s application for funding of the net cost claimed to have been incurred to provide universal service obligations during 2021. This was followed by the publication of a Decision Notice in April 2026, based on the proposed decision.

The MCA is now publishing a proposed decision on the source of funding for the net cost determined to have been incurred by GO in the provision of universal service obligations, specifically social tariffs, during 2021. Following an analysis by the MCA of the final assessment of the claim for funding in relation to the universal service obligations provided by GO during 2021, and in line with a decision by the Government of Malta, the established net cost of €117,604 may be financed from public funds.

The consultation period shall run from 22 May 2026 to 22 June 2026.

Closing On: Monday 22nd June 2026