Amended Decision Notice on Universal Service Obligations on Electronic Communications Services (updated 23 June 2026)

In April 2023, the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) had published the Decision Notice entitled “Universal Service Obligations on Electronic Communications Services” (MCA/D/23‑4920), which sets out the universal service obligations applicable in Malta following the transposition of the European Electronic Communications Code into national legislation. The Decision Notice includes, inter alia, provisions relating to specific measures for vulnerable users, including the definition and provision of the ‘Telecare’ type of service.

The MCA is empowered under national legislation to establish and maintain a set of universal service obligations to act as a safety net for end-users. In this context, the MCA keeps the universal service framework under review in view of national circumstances, applicable legislative requirements, and operational developments.

In February 2026, the MCA published a consultation paper proposing amendments to the 2023 ECS USO Decision Notice, focusing exclusively on Decisions 8 and 9 relating to the ‘Telecare’ type of service. The proposed amendments were intended to align the universal service framework with the revised operational arrangement introduced by the responsible Ministry or Government entity with effect from 1 October 2024, under which eligible end-users may access the ‘Telecare’ type of service irrespective of their chosen provider of fixed voice communications services.

During the consultation period, which ran between 17 February 2026 and 20 March 2026, the MCA received feedback from one respondent. Following its assessment of the feedback received during the consultation process, the MCA adopted the revised Decisions 8 and 9, which were retained as proposed. These amendments to the 2023 ECS USO Decision Notice apply in accordance with the provisions set out therein.