Introduction of new regulatory regime for the postal sector

The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) last week published its report on the outcomes of the consultation process on the introduction of a new regulatory regime for the postal sector.

The report examines the responses received from the interested parties following the publication of a consultation paper in May 2003 entitled Consultation on the introduction of a new regulatory regime for Postal Services. The report provides a preliminary indication of aspects of the regulatory framework that will be set up in the coming months.

It was the stated intention of the MCA not to provide conclusions in this initial consultation because the individual topics touched upon will be subject to further detailed consultation. Nevertheless, the MCA has sought, where possible, to give guidance on the direction that is likely to be taken when shaping the regulatory framework.

There is overall a concern over the need to have a regulatory framework for the sector, with a licensing framework as the primary tool. Viewpoints as to what the licensing framework should look like vary distinctly. It is the intention of the MCA not to pose undue burdens on the sector. The regime will thus be aimed at gradually opening the sector to competition while ensuring a universal service.

The MCA assumed the regulatory function with respect to the postal sector last June

following the entry into force of the Postal Services Act.

The report on consultation on the introduction of a new regulatory regime for the postal sector is available on the MCA website at www.mca.org.mt.

The Malta Communications Authority is the national agency responsible for telecommunications regulation. It was established on 1 January 2001.