Universal Service Obligations on Electronic Communications Services - Consultation and Proposed Decision

As the entity responsible for electronic communications universal services in the Maltese islands, the MCA published a consultation paper on the redefinition of the universal service obligations (USOs). This document is intended to analyse, identify and define which services should be considered as universal services, consider whether certain USOs established before transposition of the European Electronic Communications Code under national law should be updated and/or waived, and identify resulting changes in providers of services responsible to provide these services.

The MCA is proposing to include a number of updates to the USOs including the provision of adequate services at a fixed location, the provision of reduced tariff options, the provision of other specific measures for vulnerable users, control of expenditure by users and comprehensive electronic directory. Providers responsible for the provision of all or part of the universal service obligations may submit a claim for compensation in relation to any unfair burden they claim to have suffered as a result of providing each respective universal service obligation. The MCA would subsequently evaluate the information submitted in order to determine whether an unfair burden really exists.

The MCA is seeking the views of interested stakeholders on the proposals put forward in this consultation paper. The Authority will take into consideration the submissions received and will subsequently publish a Decision on the subject.

The consultation period will run from the 24th June till 5th August 2022.