Today’s Newspaper Cuttings
Today’s news in the papers Independent.com.mt Vodafone and Chamber of Advocates in business collaboration – Vodafone direct Vodafone and Chamber of Advocates in business collaboration – Vodafone direct GO, BMIT sign up as Microsoft Innovation Centre partners – Go direct
Josannecassar.com Rockestra rocked with the supports of Vodafone Malta Foundation – Vodafone CSR direct
Maltastar.com Rockestra rocked with the supports of Vodafone Malta Foundation – Vodafone CSR direct
Today’s news in the papers Timesfomalta.com iPhone 5 launched but Malta has to wait – Vodafone direct Orchestra rocks on despite stormy weather – Vodafone CSR direct Vodafone to launch new HTC Desire X – Vodafone direct Interactive TV – Go anti Downloads – Go anti
Gozonews.com Discounts and freebies with Melita’s Autumn bonanza – Melita direct
MaltaToday Portal Discounts and freebies at Melita’s autumn bonanza – Melita direct
Vodafone in the news
CLIENT: VODAFONE DIRECT SOURCE: INDEPENDENT.COM DATE: 19 SEPTEMBER 2012
Vodafone and Chamber of Advocates in business collaboration
Article published on 19 September 2012
In line with its strategy to create long-standing business relationships with different sectors of the Maltese industry, Vodafone Malta has teamed up with the Chamber of Advocates to offer its members tailor-made mobile and internet solutions that cater for the needs of the profession. Through this agreement the Chamber’s members will benefit from discounts and preferential tariffs on Vodafone’s vast range of products and services running on Malta’s fastest and most reliable network. The agreement was signed by Alexandre Froment-Curtil, Head of Marketing at Vodafone Malta and Chamber of Advocates President Dr Reuben Balzan. Both parties expressed their satisfaction at this new working relationship. “Our partnership with Vodafone ensures our members will have access to the latest high-end devices running on fast and cutting-edge technology at advantageous rates,” said Dr Reuben Balzan. Alexandre Froment-Curtil on behalf of Vodafone stated that “Vodafone’s collaboration with the Chamber of Advocates strengthens the company’s network of strategic alliances through which Vodafone is committed to continue supporting professional associations within the local community.”
CLIENT: VODAFONE CSR DIRECT MEDIUM: JOSANNECASSAR.COM DATE: 17 SEPTEMBER 2012
Rockestra rocked with the support of Vodafone Malta Foundation The Vodafone Malta Foundation has once again supported Rockestra, a rock concert by the Malta Philarmonic Orchestra organised by The Malta Community Chest Fund to raise funds for people in need. For the fourth consecutive year the concert was held at MFCC Ta’ Qali last Saturday under the distinguished patronage of The President of Malta Dr George Abela and Mrs Abela. This year’s edition of Rockestra was one to remember with an impeccable interpretation by local artists of some of the the best known songs.
CLIENT: VODAFONE CSR DIRECT MEDIUM: JOSANNECASSAR.COM DATE: 17 SEPTEMBER 2012
Musical director Sigmund Mifsud
“Rockestra is one of the summer’s most popular events and this was evident from the thousands of music fans that participated actively in Saturday’s concert,” said Martin Gregory from the Vodafone Malta Foundation. “It was impressive to see a huge crowd engaging with all the artists and the Malta Philarmonic Orchestra. We are proud to be supporting a musical event which has created a platform for local talent, giving artists the opportunity to perform in front of a huge audience. It’s a great satisfaction for us to have Rockestra as another highlight in our calendar.”
Ira Losco - photos by Charles Azzopardi The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra gave their best performance under the musical direction of Mro. Sigmund Mifsud and the artistic direction of Pawlu Borg Bonaci. This year’s concert included works by groups such as Pink Floyd, Scorpions, Aerosmith, Zucchero, Procol Harum, Adele, Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Prince, Led Zeppelin and Santana amongst others.
CLIENT: VODAFONE CSR DIRECT MEDIUM: JOSANNECASSAR.COM DATE: 17 SEPTEMBER 2012
Besides the Orchestra, well-known local artists such as Ivan Filletti, Ira Losco, Pawlu Borg Bonaci of Fakawi, Richard Edwards, Mikaela, Matt of Red Electrick, Glenn Vella, Chris Grech, Paul Sky, Chiara, Claudette Pace and Kenneth Calleja had a unique experience and performed popular pieces with the 65 musicians from the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. Dance choreography was in the hands of Felix Busuttil from the Yada Dance Company.
CLIENT: VODAFONE CSR DIRECT MEDIUM: JOSANNECASSAR.COM DATE: 17 SEPTEMBER 2012
CLIENT: VODAFONE CSR DIRECT MEDIUM: MALTASTAR.COM DATE: 17 SEPTEMBER 2012
Monday, 17 Sep 2012, 11:33
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The Vodafone Malta Foundation has once again supported Rockestra, a rock concert by the Malta Philarmonic Orchestra organised by The Malta Community Chest Fund to raise funds for people in need.
For the fourth consecutive year the concert was held at MFCC Ta’ Qali on Saturday 15th September under the distinguished patronage of The President of Malta Dr George Abela and Mrs Abela. This year’s edition of Rockestra was one to remember with an impeccable interpretation by local artists of some of the the best known songs.
“Rockestra is one of the summer’s most popular events and this was evident from the thousands of music fans that participated actively in Saturday’s concert,” said Martin Gregory from the Vodafone Malta Foundation. “It was impressive to see a huge crowd engaging with all the artists and the Malta Philarmonic Orchestra. We are proud to be supporting a musical event which has created a platform for local talent, giving artists the opportunity to perform in front of a huge audience. It’s a great satisfaction for us to have Rockestra as another highlight in our calendar.”
CLIENT: VODAFONE CSR DIRECT MEDIUM: MALTASTAR.COM DATE: 17 SEPTEMBER 2012
The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra gave their best performance under the musical direction of Mro. Sigmund Mifsud and the artistic direction of Pawlu Borg Bonaci. This year’s concert included works by groups such as Pink Floyd, Scorpions, Aerosmith, Zucchero, Procol Harum, Adele, Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Prince, Led Zeppelin and Santana amongst others.
Besides the Orchestra, well-known local artists such as Ivan Filletti, Ira Losco, Pawlu Borg Bonaci of Fakawi, Richard Edwards, Mikaela, Matt of Red Electrick, Glenn Vella, Chris Grech, Paul Sky, Chiara, Claudette Pace and Kenneth Calleja had a unique experience and performed popular pieces with the 65 musicians from the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. Dance choreography was in the hands of Felix Busuttil from the Yada Dance Company.
CLIENT VODAFONE CSR DIRECT MEDIUM: TIMESOFMALTA.COM DATE: 18 SEPTEMBER 2012
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Orchestra rocks on despite stormy weather
Orchestra director Sigmund Mifsud. The yearly rock concert held by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra lived up to President George Abela’s promise on Friday that “come rain or shine, we will rock the house”. Throughout last week, thunderstorms had been forecast for Saturday but, despite the grey clouds looming over the island, long traffic lines could be seen headed to Ta’ Qali early in the evening. Held for the fourth consecutive year at the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre, Rockestra was raising money for the Community Chest Fund. More than 11,000 people cheered and sang along with the popular Maltese artists that accompanied some 65 musicians directed by Sigmund Mifsud. This year, Ira Losco, Ivan Filletti, Pawlu Borg Bonaci of Fakawi, Matthew Borg of Red Electrick and Chiara were among the big names starring in the event as the orchestra adapted popular classics by Pink Floyd, Adele, Santana and Zucchero. This was Mr Borg Bonaci’s fourth year participating in Rockestra but his first as artistic director. The concert was supported by the Vodafone Malta Foundation.
CLIENT VODAFONE DIRECT MEDIUM: TIMESOFMALTA.COM DATE: 20 SEPTEMBER 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012 by
Martin Debattista
iPhone 5 launched but Malta has to wait
The iPhone 5 has been launched but there is no word yet about its official availability in Malta. Photo courtesy of Apple One of the most anticipated technology products in recent years was finally launched last week. Apple’s iPhone 5 is the latest version of the popular smartphone but for the time being there is no word on its availability in Malta. The iPhone 5 is the thinnest and lightest iPhone ever, completely redesigned to feature a new 4-inch Retina display, a faster Apple-designed A6 chip and the new iOS 6 operating system which will also be available for download to older iPhone models as from next month. It has an 8-megapixel camera, LTE and fast mobile broadband connectivity, Facetime video communication over the mobile network, and a new, smaller connector named ‘Lightning’. iPhone 5 will be available in the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and the UK tomorrow. It will roll out worldwide to 22 more countries on September 28, including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
CLIENT VODAFONE DIRECT MEDIUM: TIMESOFMALTA.COM DATE: 20 SEPTEMBER 2012
The first reactions to the iPhone 5 were mixed given the hype that surrounded it in the last few months. Many see it as an evolutionary rather than a revolutionary step, offering no new ground-breaking technology. However Apple said it was swamped by pre-orders. Adrian Micallef, managing director at iCentre, Apple’s authorised service provider in Malta, told i-Tech that there is no official communication yet on the availability of iPhone 5 in Malta. However it should be expected before the end of the year. A spokesman for Vodafone Malta, which is the only Apple authorised reseller for iPhone in Malta, said the company “welcomes the arrival of the new iPhone and Vodafone Malta plans to offer the new device to our customers. Availability of the device will be announced in due course.” Vodafone is offering the opportunity to customers to register their interest in the iPhone 5. GO is doing likewise. The latest iPhone model is also expected to be also available unofficially from other mobile providers and retail outlets in Malta just like with previous models. Only once was the iPhone immediately available in Malta at launch. This happened in 2008 when the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs himself mentioned Malta by name in his keynote speech at the launch of the iPhone 3G. However, in subsequent launches, both the iPhone and the iPad tablet were officially launched in Malta a few weeks after they were made available in other countries. Once available in Malta, not all the iPhone 5 features will be immediately accessible. According to the Apple website, Maltese iPhone users will have access to Apple’s new maps that replace Google Maps on iOS6. The maps available in Malta include standard, satellite, directions, turn-by-turn navigation but no 3-D buildings or local search. Siri, the voice activated search facility, will also be limited in Malta. Siri sports, Facebook and Twitter integration, local search, restaurant information, movie information and other Siri-enabled searches are not yet available locally, and in fact they are limited to very few countries. Also iTunes TV shows is also unavailable to Maltese users. Apple will don the iPhone 5 with new earpods and the final version of iOS6. The latter has over 200 new user features. Apart from the Apple-design maps, there is also direct Facebook integration, new Siri features and Passbook, for mobile commerce. Apple said it will have a Lightning-to-30-pin adapter to connect iPhone 5 to legacy 30-pin accessories. At the launch Apple also announced a new line-up of the popular iPod music player. The new iPod Touch is almost identical to an iPhone 5 but without the 3g/LTE mobile communication facilities.
CLIENT VODAFONE DIRECT MEDIUM: TIMESOFMALTA.COM DATE: 23 SEPTEMBER 2012
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Vodafone to launch new HTC Desire X Vodafone is to launch the HTC Desire X, an entertaining, powerful and social smartphone. The HTC Desire X delivers a best-in-class camera, stunning and authentic sound quality and incredible processing power and speed. “The HTC Desire X is truly an extension of our social life,” said Lara Selvagi, terminals executive at Vodafone Malta. “It is the ideal phone for all of those who are looking to enjoy and share high quality multimedia, wherever they are. It provides a super-fast, highly personal mobile experience at an affordable price.” The HTC Desire X has an impressive four inch super LCD screen with optical lamination and increased viewing angle, with everything appearing in vivid colour and clarity, even in bright sunlight with reduced glare. The HTC Desire X’s 5 megapixel camera capabilities, including simultaneous image and video capture and continuous shooting for capturing multiple fast-paced action photos, takes fantastic photographs, even in challenging low-light conditions. The camera includes an HTC proprietary Image Chip, and wide-angle lens, and automatic adjustable flash among other features. VideoPic enables the user to take videos and stills at the same time and with Always Focus it can even record the most fleeting of moments with superfast activation and autofocus. Moreover, the one-press Continuous Shooting would allow every user to capture multiple photos of fastpaced action. Saving and sharing photos, videos and files is easy on HTC Desire X – with one touch the user can instantly share content with friends and family. Drop-box integration further provides 25GB of free online storage for two years. The HTC Desire X will be available from all Vodafone outlets very soon for the price of €399 or for free on the Smartphone 75 and Smartphone 95 plans, for €99 on the Smartphone 55 plan and for €149 on the Smartphone 35 plan. For more information one can visit a Vodafone store, call 247 for free from a Vodafone line or 999 9247 from any other line.
CLIENT: VODAFONE DIRECT SOURCE: INDEPENDENT.COM DATE: 23 SEPTEMBER 2012
Vodafone and Chamber of Advocates in business collaboration
Article published on 23 September 2012
In line with its strategy to create long-standing business relationships with different sectors of the Maltese industry, Vodafone Malta has teamed up with the Chamber of Advocates to offer its members tailor-made mobile and internet solutions that cater for the needs of the profession. Through this agreement the Chamber’s members will benefit from discounts and preferential tariffs on Vodafone’s vast range of products and services running on Malta’s fastest and most reliable network. The agreement was signed by Alexandre Froment-Curtil, Head of Marketing at Vodafone Malta and Chamber of Advocates President Dr Reuben Balzan. Both parties expressed their satisfaction at this new working relationship. “Our partnership with Vodafone ensures our members will have access to the latest high-end devices running on fast and cutting-edge technology at advantageous rates,” said Dr Reuben Balzan. Alexandre Froment-Curtil on behalf of Vodafone stated “Vodafone’s collaboration with the Chamber of Advocates strengthens the company’s network of strategic alliances through which Vodafone is committed to continue supporting professional associations within the local community.”
Other stories in the news
CLIENT: MELITA DIRECT MEDIUM: GOZONEWS.COM DATE: 23 SEPTEMBER 2012
Discounts and freebies with Melita’s Autumn Bonanza Published on Sunday, 23, September, 2012 at 15:27 in Malta News | No Comments
Melita has launched its special “Autumn Bonanza,” spread over 7 days, this special event exclusively at official Melita retail stores in Malta and Gozo will give customers the chance to benefit from fantastic special offers, brand new bundles, discounted mobile phones, and freebies. The company said that between the 24th and the 30th of September, customers can benefit from offers such as free monthly subscriptions on new pay monthly plans, free mobile credit on prepaid plans and a selection of new free mobile phones.
CLIENT: MELITA DIRECT MEDIUM: GOZONEWS.COM DATE: 23 SEPTEMBER 2012
“On fixed products such as Interactive TV, Fibre Powered broadband internet or Telephony clients will also benefit from discounted installation fees, offers on subscription fees as well as free cordless phones,” Melita said. Melita said it will also offer “an exclusive bundle for customers who wish to benefit from high speed broadband and take advantage of Melita’s successful hybrid plans. For just EUR 30 per month customers will benefit from a Fibre Power 30 Megabit connection as well as a hybrid mobile plan giving you EUR 10 monthly credit, 100MB of mobile internet as well as unlimited free calls to all Melita Mobile and Telephony numbers. This bundle will be available only during this bonanza week.” “Gifts will be given away with a wide array of freebies on selected purchases, including €100 vouchers from the Notebook Centre which can be used to purchase a laptop, Free Embassy Cinema Tickets, Free mobile phones, Free cordless phones, Free Wi-fi modems, Free HD Netbox, Free mobile credit and Discounted installation fees,” Melita said. The Melita Autumn Bonanza offers are only available from melita retail outlets in Valletta, Paola, Naxxar, Gozo and the melita Mobile Shop between the 24th and 30th September 2012 – open all day. For more information call the dedicated line 27 123 123.
CLIENT: MELITA DIRECT MEDIUM: MALTATODAY.COM DATE: 24 SEPTEMBER 2012
National Monday 24 September 2012 - 13:05
Discounts and freebies at Melita’s autumn bonanza Customers to benefit from fantastic special offers, brand new bundles, discounted mobile phones, and freebies.
Summer is over, and we're back to the autumn routine. Who said it needs to be like that?
Melita brings the fun back in autumn with its special "Autumn Bonanza". Spread over 7 days, this special event exclusively at official Melita retail stores in Malta and Gozo will give customers the chance to benefit from fantastic special offers, brand new bundles, discounted mobile phones, and freebies.
Between the 24th and the 30th of September, customers can benefit from offers such as free monthly subscriptions on new pay monthly plans, free mobile credit on prepaid plans and a selection of new free mobile phones. On fixed products such as Interactive TV, Fibre Powered broadband internet or Telephony clients will also benefit from discounted installation fees, offers on subscription fees as well as free cordless phones.
During the "Autumn Bonanza" Melita will also offer an exclusive bundle for customers who wish to benefit from high speed broadband and take advantage of Melita's successful hybrid plans. For just EUR 30 per month customers will benefit from a Fibre Power 30 Megabit connection as well as a hybrid mobile plan giving you EUR 10 monthly credit, 100MB of mobile internet as well as unlimited FREE calls to all Melita Mobile and Telephony numbers. This bundle will be available only during this bonanza week.
Melita will also give away a wide array of freebies with selected purchases. Gifts include â‚Ź100 vouchers from the Notebook Centre which can be used to purchase a laptop, Free Embassy Cinema Tickets, Free mobile phones, Free cordless phones, Free Wi-fi modems, Free HD Netbox, Free mobile credit and Discounted installation fees.
CLIENT: MELITA DIRECT MEDIUM: MALTATODAY.COM DATE: 24 SEPTEMBER 2012
The Melita Autumn Bonanza offers are only available from melita retail outlets in Valletta, Paola, Naxxar, Gozo and the melita Mobile Shop between the 24th and 30th September 2012 - open all day!
For more information call the dedicated line 27 123 123 or visit www.melita.com
CLIENT: GO DIRECT SOURCE: INDEPENDENT.COM DATE: 23 SEPTEMBER 2012
GO, BMIT sign up as Microsoft Innovation Center partners Article published on 23 September 2012
Microsoft Malta has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with GO and BMIT which effectively makes the two companies partners of the Microsoft Innovation Center. The agreement was signed between Adrianna Zammit, Country Manager at Microsoft Malta, Yiannos Michaelides, Chief Executive Officer at GO and Christian Sammut, Chief Executive Officer of BMIT. Microsoft Innovation Centers are state-of-the-art technology facilities that foster active collaboration on innovative research, technology and software solutions, involving a combination of government, academia and industry participants. To date, only around 110 MICs exist in over 40 countries worldwide which have so far reached 1.1 million students and ICT professionals in the past few years. “The Microsoft Innovation Center is a tangible project, a physical collaboration between Microsoft and the ICT Community in Malta and its success depends on the collaboration and initiative of all players in the sector,” explains Adrianna Zammit during the signing of the memorandum. “In Malta, The MIC – open to students, professional software developers, IT professionals, entrepreneurs and academic researchers – will be an opportunity for them to come together, share ideas and projects and turn them into innovative realities. Therefore, we are proud to have GO and BMIT as our two partners endorsing the MIC as this reflects the high professional services that this project will be delivering to all those utilising our MIC,” added Ms Zammit. As the primary resource responsible for all phases of the MIC project, Microsoft Malta is responsible for the initial setup, management and supervision of the components, co-funding, and provision of human and educational resources, training assistance, business development, and other support. GO CEO Yiannos Michaelides said “we are proud that GO is establishing itself as the communications partner of the Microsoft Innovation Center in Malta and will work towards achieving the program objectives and building a sustainable entity with visible impact on the Maltese technology sector. GO’s role will be to supply the data infrastructure needed for the Innovation Center including on-premises network active equipment, high speed Internet connection over fibre, voice connectivity and providing start-ups with competitive communications packages.” “Becoming the official hosting and cloud services provider of the Microsoft Innovation Center in Malta confirms BMIT’s role as Malta’s leading data centre and cloud services company and we are delighted to have such an active role in the formation of this new exciting project,” said Christian Sammut, CEO of BMIT. “In line with our commitment to contribute towards the successful
CLIENT: GO DIRECT SOURCE: INDEPENDENT.COM DATE: 23 SEPTEMBER 2012
creation and implementation of the MIC, BMIT’s role will be to engage jointly with the MIC stakeholders to grow the technical and non-technical Cloud Computing competence in the local market. BMIT already supports a number of start-ups and with this recent collaboration, we will also be providing Cloud Services offered at advantageous rates for target groups engaged at the MIC” noted Mr Sammut. Elaborating on the MIC’s operations, Edward Portelli, MIC Business Development Manager said “Microsoft Innovation Centers are jointly operated by Microsoft and its partners. While each Center tunes its programs to the specific local needs of the country where it operates, all MICs services seek to accelerate technology advances and stimulate local software economies through skills and professional training, industry partnerships and innovation. “As such, the Microsoft Innovation Center in Malta will focus on three main pillars, namely programs that focus on developing the latest technical and business skills, the promotion of entrepreneurship by providing mentorship and logistical support to start-ups and innovative projects as well as promoting local innovation both locally and overseas” concluded Mr Portelli.
CLIENT GO ANTI MEDIUM: TIMESOFMALTA.COM DATE: 22 SEPTEMBER 2012
Saturday, September 22, 2012 by
Edwin Gauci, Attard
Interactive TV Those of you who, like me, have installed Interactive TV are in for a big disappointment. You should read the small print carefully before you sign your contract, especially the following clauses, if you do not want to fall into a trap, as I did. Clause 2c: “Up to 4 Mbps Go internet service, subject to the speed your line can attain.” Clause 2.2: “You acknowledge that as the service is delivered over our broadband network, bandwidth is shared with your internet service in those instances where services are provided on the same exchange line.” The first clause implies that Go can only guarantee an internet connection of 4 Mbps, even if you are paying for 20 Mbps. And the second clause implies that the “free” internet upgrade that you are promised is nothing else than the extra speed required by the Interactive TV. And there is nothing that you or the authorities can do because it is written in the two-year contract which you signed for. Consequently, this is what will happen to your internet speed if you install the Go Interactive TV: If you were a 20 Mbps internet client you will be downgraded to 12 Mbps if you watch normal TV and 9 Mbps if you watch HD TV. If you were a 12 Mbps client you will remain with 12 Mbps connection (even though you are told you will be upgraded free of charge to 20 Mbps) but downgraded to 9 Mbps if you watch HD TV. If you were a 4 Mbps client you will remain with a 4 Mbps connection (even though you are told you will be upgraded free of charge to 12 Mbps) but downgraded to 1Mbps if you watch HD TV. For Go all this is justifiable because instead of you paying for a 20Mbps connection you are now paying for a 12Mbps connection (the rest “free” although you are paying for it with your interactive subscription) and you are also given HD for six months free – both of which you never asked for. On the other hand, if you ask for a 20 Mbps internet connection plus Interactive TV, you cannot have it because Go’s infrastructure does not support it and the only solution Go will offer you is to install another line, at least that is what I was told. This is what Go calls service and customer care or, as they say, “how you enjoy fast speeds with Go”.
CLIENT GO ANTI MEDIUM: TIMESOFMALTA.COM DATE: 24 SEPTEMBER 2012
Downloads • The number of times clients were not able to avail themselves of the eight free mygo messages due to glitches in the system does not seem to be taken into account. These are never replaced. Some mobile telephone system subscribers actually joined Go Mobile to obtain these, seeing that they prefer sending messages to making calls.