GO plc has recorded more than 12,000 unique VoWiFi users in the past six months, including roughly 6,400 in the past 30 days as the leading telecoms operator started retiring its 3G network, marking a decisive shift towards fully IP-based mobile services.
The move follows the nationwide rollout of Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi), technologies that route calls over data networks rather than legacy circuit-switched systems.
GO explained how VoLTE improves call quality and connection speeds while allowing simultaneous data use, whereas VoWiFi extends coverage indoors by routing calls through fixed broadband connections. Calls can transition seamlessly between mobile and Wi-Fi networks without interruption.
The company explained that the retirement of 3G will enable it to reallocate spectrum to more efficient 4G and 5G services, boosting capacity and containing energy consumption, which the company says has grown only marginally despite rising data demand.
“Modern networks consume significantly less energy per unit of traffic, supporting both commercial and environmental objectives,” said a spokesperson for the company.
Malta achieved full basic 5G coverage in 2024, surpassing the EU average. GO now plans to expand its network footprint by 20% by 2030, reflecting broader industry efforts to consolidate infrastructure and meet growing digital demand.
