11 - 17 January 2001

Globe Wireless to be granted licence to operate from Malta

by Franco Aloisio

Globe Wireless, an American telecommunications company specialising in maritime communications, is expected to be given a licence by the Telecommunications Regulator to offer its services from Malta, sources said. A final
decision has not yet been taken. Through Globe Wireless, Malta can start offering ships crossing the Mediterranean telecommunications services such as fixed wireless telephony and wireless e-mailing
service. The company plans to
use Malta for its Mediterranean operations.
Globe Wireless provides the shipping industry one of the most comprehensive and reliable global maritime communications solutions. By combining advance modern technology and high service standards, Globe Wireless provides worldwide maritime communications solutions, through its satellite system along with its Maritime Data Network for communication at sea.
The combined solutions mean that Globe Wireless customers can be sure that messages sent through Globe Wireless will get to their destination. Regardless of the size of the messages or their urgency, the Globe Wireless solution reliably manages delivery and receipt through satellite and the Maritime Data Network.
The system allows ships to stay connected with the shore while simplifying and reducing the management of communication costs.
Efforts to bring Globe Wireless to Malta started two years ago, when Maltacom started negotiating a strategic partnership deal with the American company. After months of discussions, both companies were close to strike a deal with Maltacom applying for an extension to its licence to start offering the service, after teaming up with Globe Wireless.
Sources close to Maltacom said that in recent weeks the former Telecommunications Regulator had been discussing the possibility of granting a licence to Globe Wireless, thus bypassing Maltacom completely. As a result, Maltacom would not enjoy the rights of providing the maritime service, but would only rent out its equipment to Globe Wireless.
The former regulator Nikol Scicluna told The Malta Business Weekly he was actively considering awarding the licence directly to Globe Wireless. However, Maltacom sources said it was not up to the regulator to interfere in its business ventures. The sources added that at present Maltacom already offers the Global Maritime Distress System (GMDS) – a service which is not profitable for the company.
“It simply does not make sense to continue offering a service which is tantamount to a ‘social service’ without getting back anything in return. Operating maritime telecommunications services would make a lot of business sense for Maltacom,” the sources said.