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Matthew Vella
Maltacom yesterday announced it had acquired digital TV operator Multiplus, purchasing 100% of the company’s shares.
Last December the companies teamed up in a joint telephony- DTTV offer that enabled Multiplus reach critical mass. Up until December, a survey by the Broadcasting Authority found just 1.6% of media platforms in households were Multiplus platforms. Thousands of Maltacom customers later availed themselves of the Christmas DTTV offer.
The takeover finally sees Maltacom entering the DTTV arena. It was awarded a license in May 2005 but failed to roll out its service by November 2006, when it was expected to achieve nationwide coverage of transmissions.
A spokesman for the communications authority (MCA) said Maltacom has returned its licence.
Maltacom chairman Sonny Portelli said the acquisition will see Maltacom become the island’s only quadruple-play telco. “We’re truly an integrated operator and our intention is to remain the leaders in the telecommunications sector, as well as attract new customers via our TV offering.”
CEO David Kay said the takeover was the best option in order to compete in the TV market: “In the last months we collaborated closely with Multiplus, successfully launching a number of joint offers. Such initiatives helped us understand better the nature of the business we’re entering. We’re confident that like in other areas of our business, we’ll also succeed in the TV sector.”
In the coming weeks Maltacom will roll out plans to enhance the level of digital TV both in content as well as service provision. |
