Following the problems and hardship caused by the faults in the international data gateways, the Malta Communications Authority has issued the International Connectivity (Continuity of Operation) Regulations 2009.

These rules are aimed at guaranteeing continuity and resilience in international connectivity and are applicable to those undertakings providing or authorised to provide a public electronic communications network which includes an international connection, referred to as “international gateway operators”.

There are three main obligations imposed by the said regulations international gateway operator, requiring it, at all times:

(a) to adopt appropriate measures to safeguard the integrity and resiliency of the network elements utilised to provide international connectivity;
(b) to secure the availability of capacity, or have in place alternative measures, sufficient to ensure an adequate level of uninterrupted international connectivity.
(c) not to unreasonably refuse the provision of capacity to another international gateway operator for the purposes of meeting the obligations established by these Regulations.

These rules and obligations are fundamental in Malta’s aim in being one of the leaders in the ICT market.  The Maltese economy has become increasingly dependent on electronic communications services, particularly the i-gaming industry that heavily depends on internet bandwidth.