Maltese telco GO has confirmed that it has applied to the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) for 800MHz spectrum to be used for LTE-A networks. The operator currently provides 4G services using 1800MHz frequencies, but is looking to employ carrier aggregation (CA) technology across the two bands to improve data speeds. According to the Times of Malta, the allocation process is expected to take several months.
Earlier this year the MCA cancelled a sale of 800MHz spectrum when the country’s three cellcos opted not to take part, but last month it called for expressions of interest for a sale of 4G-capable frequencies in the 800MHz, 1800MHz and 2500MHz bands. Mobile market leader Vodafone has already launched LTE-A on the island of Gozo and northern parts of Malta using 1800MHz spectrum.