| 2009 - So long and thanks for all the 0's
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| Written by HiVoltage |
Monday, 28 December 2009
The first decade of the century is almost over, and like most publications, Maltameter is taking a quick look on what happened during the past year and what to expect in the next.
Probably the biggest news we had this year was the launch of Melita Mobile, which had at least a minor impact on the mobile telephony rates, especially when it comes to prepaid mobile Internet access. Prepaid time windows were also removed by all the major operators.
DAB+ (digital) radio started gaining popularity, with an average takeup of 6% back in August. Most national radio stations are now available in digital, which can be received in most locations on the islands.
We also saw the closing down of Bay Mobile after just 10 months of operations, and lately 2 new MVNOs were set up - City Mobile and Ping.
An interesting development was the launch of the "Mobile Monday" meetings in Malta by a group of local volunteers with the help of an international community.
Some other things worth mentioning - although not local affairs - are the launch of Windows 7, which seems to fix most of the hated problems in Windows Vista, and to be ready to replace the ageing XP, and also the finalization of the VERY long awaited 802.11n new Wi-Fi standard.
The news that had the least impact was the launch of a WiMAX network by GO, in which a no-advantage package is offerd, with a steep installation fee of €500... definitely not meant to be used!
So... what should we expect in 2010? This will be the last year in which analogue terrestrial TV will be broadcast in Malta. In other less technical words, if you or your grandma are still receiving local channels with an old roof aerial on an old brown telly, within a year's time, you'll either have to buy a new TV or get a set top box. It's too early to panic, but it's good to tell everyone you know not to buy any more TVs that don't have a DVB-T (digital) tuner built-in if they want to keep watching free-to-air TV.
Digital radio should also keep growing, with better coverage planned, and the imminent launch of 2 new channels - one playing 80's music, and another one for classic rock. Last but not least - we have lately received some complaints from the readers of lack of updates on Maltameter. We've heard your rants, and will try to keep the site more up to date in 2010. By the way - if you or someone you know is interested in writing articles or help in the overall maintenance of the site, please drop us a line. Have a wonderful new year!
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 28 December 2009 ) |
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Posted By Anonymous on 02-Jan-2010, 08:54 PM
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