Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1478813
maltatoday | SUNDAY •11 SEPTEMBER 2022 12 COMMERCIAL THE European Investment Bank (EIB) recently confirmed its commitment to support the telecom operator Epic in its mobile network modernization programme, including the con- tinued development of its state- of-the-art 5G mobile infrastruc- ture. Through this support, the EIB is ensuring that Epic can continue its network expan- sion plan and the roll-out of its 5G network to reach nation- wide coverage in the country by 2024. With the investment, Epic is also expanding its pilot pro- ject to deploy a very high-capac- ity Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) infrastructure in selected areas in Malta. This investment is in line with EIB's objective to provide and support the development of tel- ecommunication network infra- structure and bridge the digital divide. The project will bring significant benefits to Malta and its inhabitants and regional de- velopment, as these broadband connections are needed to be able to reap the full benefits of digitalising economic sectors, such as agriculture, tourism, and commerce. It will also address the development of the core network that will allow Epic to cater to the expected increase in traffic demand and build a more future-proof and effective fibre network to support its mobile network. Gelsomina Vigliotti, EIB Vice-President, said: "The tele- com sector requires significant investments to foster the digital acceleration. Thanks to the EIB support, EPIC Communications Limited will expand both the 5G network to reach 99% coverage in the country and the Fibre-to- the-Home connections to cover one-fourth of the households in Malta." Epic CEO Tamas Banyai com- mented: "This is an important moment not just for Epic but for everyone in Malta as we are building the strongest network with next generation connec- tivity," he said. "Our vision is aligned with EIB and the Gov- ernment of Malta in bringing digital access to every person, home and organisation for a ful- ly connected world ." The funding is aligned with the cohesion strategy of the EIB and Malta's Smart Specialisation Strategy 2021 – 2027, specifi- cally given the important role that digital infrastructures have within any country and the crit- ical transformation of digital- isation to promote innovation activities in Malta. Over the last five years, the European Investment Bank has provided EUR 11.7 billion for telecom and broadband net- work investment around the world. This has supported in- vestment by leading telecom operators, including Deutsche Telekom, Telefonica, Iliad, Or- ange, Magyar Telecom, and Eutelsat, and the construction of submarine communications cables to Africa, rollout of na- tional broadband networks, and development of 5G mobile in- frastructure. EIB financing of €20 million to EPIC to accelerate the company's mobile network modernisation programme Seated; Prof. Juanito Camilleri, Epic Chairman, Christophe Tronchet, CFO Monaco Telecom and Gelsomina Vigliotti, EIB Vice President. Standing; Minister Silvio Schembri with Epic CEO Tamas Banyai and CEO Monaco Telecom Martin Peronnet First edition of the Malta Business Awards announced MALTA Enterprise, in collab- oration with the Chamber for Small and Medium Enterpris- es, announced the first edition of the Malta Business Awards, which will take place on the 28th of October at the Medi- terranean Conference Centre in Valletta. The awards will be divided into four categories. These are: the social impact of enterpris- es, green initiatives, Best in Business and innovation, and digitalisation. Nominations are open until the 25th of Sep- tember with the finalists being announced on the 10th of Oc- tober. Over 20 awards will be giv- en to enterprises from vari- ous sectors including tourism, whilst also incorporating dif- ferent elements such as start- ups, female entrepreneurship, apprenticeship, and solutions targeted at climate change as well as sustainable processes. Minister for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise Miriam Dalli stated that "This moment should serve as inspiration for enterprises to be more sustain- able, digital, catering for their client's needs, offering good quality products whilst also en- suring competitiveness. The Business Awards serve as a means to learn from each other's success stories, as well as for enterprises themselves to define the next steps to im- prove their processes." Kurt Farrugia, the CEO of Malta Enterprise stated that "We hope that the winners of the awards would serve as role models for other enterpris- es, inspiring them to improve their processes. Malta Enterprise actively assists enterprises through a variety of schemes aiming to improve the standards and the quality of services offered. Some of these schemes are the Smart & Sustainable Invest- ment Grant, Invest, Research & Development and Innovate." Malta Chamber of SMEs Pres- ident Paul Abela stated that it is an honour that the Chamber for Small and Medium Enter- prises, with a legacy of over 70 years, organised these prestig- ious awards together with Mal- ta Enterprise as well as with the help of other entities. He stated that these awards have created a platform for recognition which will inspire others through the good initia- tives being taken by local busi- nesses. Mr Abela encouraged busi- nesses to participate in these awards which aim to support these local businesses. CEO of the Malta Chamber of SMEs Abigail Agius Mamo stated that the Malta Business Awards will be honouring busi- nesses in diverse categories. Businesses can submit their application themselves or they can even be nominated by third parties. Applications are open until the 25th of September on www. maltabusinessawards.mt. The finalists will be an- nounced on the 10th of Octo- ber whilst the gala in which the winners will be announced will take place on the 28th of Octo- ber at the Mediterranean Con- ference Centre Left: CEO of the Malta Chamber of SMEs Abigail Agius Mamo, Below: Enegery Minister Miriam Dalli