As the longest-standing leading telecommunications operator in Malta, GO Plc connects families and friends, businesses and industries, and everyone in between. We revisit the industry-defining company with CEO, Nikhil Patil.
AT THE CENTRE OF MALTA’S DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
With a mission to do better every day, GO Plc (GO) – Malta’s leading communications services provider – proudly connects people near and far, helping them launch their own businesses, find entertainment, shop online, and even master new skills that empower them for a brighter future.
As the incumbent player in the Maltese telecommunications (telecoms) market, GO has long established itself as a strong and integral part of the community, having contributed significantly to the success of the nation’s economy.
The company has taken a leading role as one of the largest investors in Malta’s digital infrastructure, which is critical for the country’s digital transformation.
“GO’s growth and success were built on a focused strategy aimed at delivering a world-class service in terms of infrastructure and customer experience,” introduces Nikhil Patil, CEO.
“Through substantial investment in fibre-powered infrastructure and international connectivity, an extensive network of retail outlets across the Maltese islands, and dedicated customer call centre and business-to-business (B2B) support, we have cemented our position as a provider of world-class communications services.”
The company has a controlling interest in multiple subsidiaries, including BMIT Technologies, Cablenet Communications Systems, Connected Care, SENS Innovation Group, GO Ventures, Cybersift Holdings, and AQS Med.
Currently, the industry is undergoing an exciting and dynamic evolution due to rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and data science.
“Many companies, including GO, are exploring generative AI more deeply, creating the space for greater innovation. It has allowed us to broaden and improve our customer experience and increase efficiency,” insights Patil.
Beyond traditional connectivity, the technology industry is also at the forefront of solving global challenges such as climate change, something GO feels very strongly about, alongside innovations that support telemedicine, which offer opportunities to significantly improve people’s lives.
None of this would be possible without strong and resilient internet connectivity that facilitates technology-driven innovation.
SPEARHEADING MALTA’S DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE
With nearly 50 years’ worth of experience, GO’s purpose is to drive a digital Malta where no one is left behind.
“Our purpose encompasses why we exist as a business and why each and every one of us shows up and gives our best every single day,” enthuses Patil.
“There is no end goal, but it’s a continuous journey of improvement. We do this by embracing three core values: obsessing over our customers, acting as one GO team, and acting as an owner.”
This purpose extends to the company’s investments in start-ups as a primary way to drive innovation, remain at the forefront of emerging technologies, and provide greater returns for its stakeholders.
Through these investments, GO gains first-hand exposure to cutting-edge innovations with the potential to disrupt industries and redefine markets, allowing the company to integrate these advancements into its own operations and ensure it stays ahead of the curve by continuing to offer state-of-the-art solutions to customers.
“From a financial perspective, these investments provide us with significant returns. In that respect, we are an asset to these start-ups because results indicate that those backed by strategic investors have a higher success rate,” details Patil.
In parallel to funding these emerging start-ups, GO is actively investing in and rolling out a variety of projects, including 5G, Voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE), eSIMs, and automated fault management.
VoLTE represents the next evolutionary step in mobile voice service technology, bringing numerous benefits such as enhanced call quality, faster call setup times, and the ability to use high-speed data services simultaneously.
This means customers can now browse the internet, stream videos, or participate in online meetings without interruption.
“It is a significant advancement in mobile technology that transforms how our customers experience mobile communication. We are the first operator in Malta to offer VoLTE services, reaffirming our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction,” explains Patil.
NATIONWIDE COVERAGE
GO has developed a reputation for top-tier customer service and quick, efficient services over the course of nearly five decades, differentiating itself through its advanced network infrastructure, comprehensive offerings, deep local market expertise, and a strong focus on environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility.
These factors, combined with a trusted brand and ongoing innovation, help the company to maintain a competitive edge in Malta’s telecoms market.
Recently, GO further cemented itself as an industry leader after finalising a nationwide fibre rollout.
“2024 has been a remarkable year in terms of our True Fibre network rollout, complemented by the changeover from copper to fibre technology for thousands of our customers,” explains Patil.
“Today, we have surpassed 90 percent nationwide coverage and anticipate full service by the end of the year, making us the first EU country to have entire coverage of fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) – the best technology available on the market.”
GO is scheduled to complete this project well before the anticipated deadline, meaning more and more customers and businesses can enjoy super-fast internet speeds even sooner.
Having a nationwide fibre network has also allowed the company to achieve excellence in other technologies, such as its completed rollout of 5G, which boasts speeds reaching over 1.7 gigabytes per second (Gbps) on mobile phones.
Today, customers with 5G-compatible devices get to enjoy even faster speeds anywhere across the island, irrespective of their mobile subscription plan.
“We are very proud of these achievements because fibre is futureproof and essential for innovation,” enthuses Patil.
“GO boasts a bright and successful 49-year legacy of doing what is best – connecting Malta, its people, and businesses to what matters most to them”
Nikhil Patil, CEO, GO Plc
SUSTAINABLE OPERATIONS FOR THE FUTURE
In the face of the climate challenges being experienced globally, GO is working to ensure its purpose is fulfilled through more sustainable operations.
“Climate action is a subject widely tackled in boardrooms across the world and one which we are particularly passionate about,” insights Patil.
“The best legacy any company can leave is a world in better shape than when it started operating. We wanted to bring this culture to GO and started challenging management to take carbon neutrality to a higher business level.”
Currently, the company is not only capitalising on carbon neutrality as part of its business growth strategy, but also focusing on having a more positive impact on its surrounding community and environment.
“Our ambition goes beyond making GO green; we want to leverage our investments in technologies and our experience to help clients achieve their sustainability goals.”
Additionally, to tackle sustainable initiatives at the heart of the company, GO focuses on the mindset of its people to think green first.
It has launched several training programmes through its GO Academy which everyone at the company, including board members, participated in. This includes the GO Green module, which highlights small actions that can be taken individually, as well as at the workplace, to significantly reduce one’s carbon footprint.
The company is also partaking in other initiatives to further its sustainability goals, including adopting science-based targets, shifting its investment strategy, and opening a new zero-carbon head office.
GO’s specific targets to reduce its carbon footprint are ambitious, with a projected 42 percent decrease by 2030 and 90 percent by 2050, meaning greenhouse gas emissions from the company’s operations are consistent with reductions required to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius – the most progressive goal of the Paris Agreement.
“By committing and working towards these targets, GO is driving ambitious corporate climate action. Keeping our people aware and educated is central to our approach,” concludes Patil.
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