Consultation on GO plc Funding for Universal Service Obligations
Summary
The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) has opened a consultation on GO plc's application for funding related to universal service obligations for electronic communications services during 2021. The review, conducted by EY, identified net costs of €117,604, primarily related to social tariffs, after accounting for intangible benefits.
What changed
The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) is seeking public comment on a proposed decision regarding GO plc's application for compensation for universal service obligations (USO) during the 2021 financial year. An independent review by Ernst & Young Limited (EY) verified that GO plc incurred net costs of €117,604, primarily due to providing social tariffs, after deducting any market benefits derived from brand enhancement.
This consultation is open until April 20, 2026. Interested parties, particularly those in the electronic communications sector, should review the proposed decision and submit any comments by the deadline. The MCA will consider these comments before making a final determination on GO plc's funding request, which could impact future regulatory frameworks for universal service provision.
What to do next
- Review the consultation document and proposed decision on GO plc's USO funding application.
- Submit comments to the MCA by the consultation closing date of April 20, 2026.
Source document (simplified)
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Consultation and Proposed Decision on the review of GO plc's application for funding for the provision of universal service obligations on electronic communications services during 2021
In accordance with national law, a universal service provider in the electronic communications sector has the right to submit a claim for compensation for any unfair burden it considers to have incurred in providing part or all of the universal services.
The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) received a written request from GO plc (GO), as the universal service provider, seeking compensation for the net costs it claimed to have incurred for the provision of universal service obligations during financial year 2021. The MCA commissioned Ernst & Young Limited (EY) as an independent body to review and verify the application submitted by GO. Following EY’s review and verification exercise, it was determined that GO had incurred an element of unfair burden in providing social tariffs.
GO’s USO funding application also included the intangible benefit derived from brand enhancement through the provision of universal services. After deducting this market benefit from the overall burden incurred, the total net cost was established at €117,604.
The consultation period shall run between 20 March 2026 and 20 April 2026.
Closing On: Monday 20th April 2026 MCA Reference: MCA/C/26-5894 Regulatory Type: Electronic Communications Attachments: Consultation and Proposed Decision on the Review of GO USO Claim for 2021.pdf (1.11 MB)
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