The MCA’s proposal for expiring bands aims to help operators navigate technological shifts while pre-empting forthcoming EU regulation
The MCA’s proposal would create a uniform expiry date for spectrum bands below 3GHz
On 17 March 2026, the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) published a consultation outlining its approach to the management of spectrum bands with expiring licences. In particular, the consultation relates to the 900MHz, 1800MHz and 2.1GHz bands, for which the MCA is proposing to extend existing usage rights until 8 April 2033, thereby creating a uniform expiry date for spectrum below 3GHz used for mobile broadband services. The MCA states that this would provide regulatory certainty that allows mobile network operators to “better develop their businesses, technology and spectrum roadmaps”, as well as a “transition window” as they navigate the decommissioning of legacy networks. The aim is also to address the current fragmentation in licence expiry dates in order to reduce investment hesitancy during what the MCA describes as a “critical period of technological shift”, including the transition to standalone 5G (5GSA) and 6G, and the emergence of AI.
Extending current licences would allow the MCA to pre-empt potential requirements within the DNA
Spectrum in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands was assigned in 2011, with licences set to expire in 2026 and 2028, respectively. While the 900MHz band continues to be fully assigned and in use, a significant portion of the 1800MHz band remains unused due to limited market demand. Similarly, 4.8MHz of the 2.1GHz band was unassigned after a beauty contest in 2005. The MCA references – and seeks to take account of – the forthcoming Digital Networks Act (DNA), which is expected to modernise spectrum management across the EU, potentially extending licence terms to at least 40 years. The MCA has proposed for spectrum to be awarded after a six-phase process, which would include: the extension of licences; input from operators; the design of spectrum management frameworks; an approval seeking process; consultation procedure; and the “award moment” (which would happen around 2030-2031).
Operators must notify the regulator three years ahead of legacy network switch-offs
The MCA has proposed inclusion of a new licence condition that would require operators to provide a formal written notification to the MCA at least 36 months in advance of the decommissioning or switch-off of any legacy mobile technology, allowing the regulator to assess the potential impact on end users. Operators would have to provide the MCA with the following information:
How the operator intends to transition services from legacy networks to 4G/5G equivalent infrastructure;
An assessment of the number of mobile devices still active on the legacy network; and
A schedule of planned outreach activities to ensure that all affected end users are given sufficient notice and clear instructions on the steps required to maintain service continuity.
The MCA is consulting on interest in mmWave frequencies in line with EC decisions
The MCA is also consulting on potential market interest, use cases and technological readiness regarding the assignment of mmWave frequencies, specifically the 26GHz and the 42GHz bands. The regulator determined an assignment framework for the 26GHz band in 2021, alongside the 700MHz and 3.6GHz bands – together the EC’s three ‘pioneer bands’ for the rollout of 5G networks. The MCA’s consultation in respect of 42GHz follows the EC’s decision in 2024 to harmonise the band for mobile broadband across the EU. This decision provides a common technical framework to enable large contiguous blocks of spectrum, ideal for delivering multi-gigabit speeds in a campus environment, with a requirement for Member States to implement it by the end of 2026. As a result, several regulators are determining access to the band, such as AGCOM in Italy, which launched a public consultation in March 2026.
