Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1503368
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 9 JULY 2023 10 COMMERCIAL Roaming like at home in the USA MELITA has eliminated roaming charges in the Unit- ed States extending its Roam Like at Home area to cover the USA. Roam Like at Home, long es- tablished within EU territories and the UK, enables customers to use their mobile services in those countries at the same rates as they pay in Malta. However, it was not previ- ously available in a country like the US, forcing many mobile users to manage the data func- tion on their phone to avoid racking up big bills whenever they ventured out of the EU. Along with the US, Melita has included Moldova in the Roam Like at Home area. Harald Roesch, CEO at Melita Limited, said: "We are contin- ually improving our high level of service and are delighted that customers can now con- nect to their business contacts, friends and family while in the US, at the same rates as if they were at home in Malta. Since the US is a big country, we've effectively doubled the size of our Roam Like at Home area." In addition to extending Roam Like at Home, for 60 oth- er countries Melita is reducing its already low roaming rates by 50 per cent, making keeping in contact in popular long haul destinations, such as Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, even more affordable. All changes are from now un- til March 31, 2024. BOV and Housing Authority extend benefits on 10% deposit payment scheme BANK of Valletta has sealed an agreement with the Ministry for Social and Affordable Ac- commodation and the Housing Authority to provide further benefits and assistance to po- tential homeowners who, de- spite being eligible for a home loan, do not have the necessary liquidity to pay the 10% down payment required for the sign- ing of the house purchase con- tract. With the new benefits, the maximum interest-free loan on the deposit to first-time buyers has increased to €22,500 from the previously capped amount of €17,500. The agreement was signed at the BOV Premium Banking Cen- tre in Santa Venera by Bank of Valletta CEO Kenneth Farrugia and by the Housing Authority's CEO Matthew Zerafa. The sign- ing event was presided over by Roderick Galdes, Minister for Social and Affordable Accom- modation and by Silvio Schem- bri, Minister for the Economy, EU Funds and Lands. Present were also BOV Chief Wealth Management Officer Simon Az- zopardi, and the Housing Au- thority Chairman, Robert Duck- er. The Minister for Social and Af- fordable Accommodation, Hon. Roderick Galdes, said that since the launch of this scheme, the Housing Authority, processed over 500 applications and in- vested in over €6 million to help more people become home- owners. The Minister went on to say that this scheme is assist- ing a wide range of people from youths who continued to further their studies and who wish to purchase their first home, to in- dividuals who are under the age of 40 years. "The reinforcement of this scheme, together with other schemes we already offer, is fur- ther strengthening the Govern- ment's commitment towards the accommodation sector reflecting today's realities of the Maltese population" concluded Minister Galdes. In his address, the Minister for the Economy, European Funds and Lands, Silvio Schembri re- iterated that this scheme, and others offered by the Housing Authority, are helping youths in a crucial time of their life. "Buy- ing a property is an important milestone in every individual's life, and undoubtedly the biggest investment one will ever make. During a time when expenses are so high, this scheme helps individuals to fork out the 10% deposit on the purchase of their property, and so assisting more people in becoming homeown- ers. I would like to thank Bank of Valletta who once again under- stood the importance that such schemes play in our society and in partnering with the Govern- ment to contribute to the success of this scheme". Bank of Valletta CEO, Kenneth Farrugia said that, by joining the Housing Authority - Scheme on 10% Deposit for the Purchase of a Property, the Bank is once again reaching out to specific segments of society and assisting more people to purchase their home. "After joining the New Hope Guarantee Scheme earlier this year, we are furthering our social commitment through this new initiative, which also reaffirms our commitment towards ESG principles. We are pleased to col- laborate further with the Hous- ing Authority to assist poten- tial homeowners acquire their primary residence. The home lending business remains very important for the Bank, and we acknowledge the fact that, with- in the current scenario, some of our clients might not have the necessary liquidity for the down payment when signing the promise of sale agreement. We remain committed to be innova- tors and catalysts in the market. After introducing a digital por- tal for Home Loan applications late last year, our efforts turn to spearhead innovative financing solutions aimed at reaching and assisting a wider segment of po- tentially vulnerable customers." The Housing Authority CEO, Matthew Zerafa, said that by further improving the existent scheme, more properties are be- ing made accessible, and thanks to this agreement, both BOV and the Housing Authority agreed on the new capped amounts in order to be aligned with today's property prices on the market.