Today’s Newspaper

Cuttings

22 November 2012

Today’s news online

di-ve.com Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team visit Malta – Vodafone direct

Vodafone Malta signs agreement with MEA – Vodafone direct

Super Top Ups from GO – the must-have for mobile callers and texters – Go direct

Independent.com.mt Vodafone Malta signs agreement with the Malta Employers Association – Vodafone direct Special Moments, an exhibition by Doriette Gauci Sciortino – BOV CSR

MaltaToday Portal Vodafone Malta Foundation supports the Malta Open Dance Spectacular – Vodafone CSR direct

Timesofmalta.com Vodafone Malta obtains ACCA status – Vodafone direct

Melita responds to demand for faster and better internet access – Melita direct

Gozonews.com GO launch Super Top Ups for mobile callers and texters – Go direct

GO once again pledges support to l-Istrina 2012 campaign – Go direct

Josannecassar.com Vodafone employee joins “Heroes” in London – Vodafone direct

Vodafone in the news

CLIENT: VODAFONE CSR DIRECT MEDIUM: MALTATODAY DATE: 20 NOVEMBER 2012

Entertainment Tuesday 20 November 2012 - 01:27

Vodafone Malta Foundation supports the Malta Open Dance Spectacular The Vodafone Malta Foundation will once again be supporting the 6th Edition of the International Malta Open Dance Spectacular 2012, a two-day event organised by the Malta Wheelchair Dancesport Association (MWDA).

The event, held under the distinguished patronage of HE Dr. George Abela is taking place on

November 24th and 25th 2012 at the University Sports Hall in Msida.

"Wheelchair dancing is a sport and art that promotes social integration. This kind of dancing helps the

non-disabled person to get to know the wheelchair user better as a personand not simply as someone

with a disability," said Ms Gemma Mifsud Bonnici, Chairperson of the Vodafone Malta Foundation.

"The Vodafone Malta Foundation supported this event since the begining since we believe that such

events help eliminate many misconceptions about the abilities of wheelchair users and have the added

advantage of encouraging new friendships."

CLIENT: VODAFONE CSR DIRECT MEDIUM: MALTATODAY DATE: 20 NOVEMBER 2012

Wheelchair dancing has been practised for over 27 years in different parts of the world, but started to

feature in Malta in 1999. The Malta Wheelchair Dancesport Association was set up in 2001 with the

aim of teaching people in wheelchairs to dance in a similair format to non-disabled persons. The

Dance Spectacular gives Maltese wheelchair dancers the opportunity to compete with foreign dancers

without the expense of travelling abroad.

This competition educates the general public, shows the ability as opposed to the disability of

wheelchair users and integrates all dancers, non-disabled and disabled, in a competition atmosphere.

"With more than 12 countries taking part in this year's competition, including couples coming from as

far away as Brazil, we are very much looking forward for people to see the great skills of these

dancers," said Pippa Roberts, President of the MWDA. "We appreciate the support of the Vodafone

Foundation, helping Malta in hosting such championships, now recognized as one of the major

competitions in the world of wheelchair dance.This year we will also see the first ever international

integrated team match, another first for Malta."

Tickets can be bought at the door at €12 each. Children under 10 years of age will enter free of

charge.The competitions will be held between 2pm and 8pm and doors open at 2pm. For further

information about the Malta Open Dance Spectacular visit www.maltawda.com.

CLIENT: VODAFONE DIRECT MEDIUM: TIMESOFMALTA.COM DATE: 18 NOVEMBER 2012

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Vodafone Malta obtains ACCA status

Vodafone Malta has been named Approved Employer for Professional Development from the Association of

Chartered Certified Accountants in re-cognition for providing support to ACCA members.

ACCA’s Approved Employer programme has been designed to help companies get maximum value from their

accounting and finance staff.

Organisations applying for the ACCA Approved Employer Programme are assessed against a number of best

practices, learning and development statements.

As an ACCA Approved Employer, Vodafone has made a commitment in meeting defined standards of training

and development. To ensure these standards are maintained, Vodafone Malta is subject to periodic monitoring.

The award is a recognition of the continuous support Vodafone Malta provides to its employees for the

continuation of their personal development.

“This award is a very prestigious for Vodafone Malta, both as an employer as well as from an employees’

engagement per-spective,” Vodafone Malta head of HR Martin Gregory explained.

“We believe that any organisation is only as strong as its people. Our investment in quality finance training, in

partnership with ACCA, ensures that our employees keep us competitive in the working market.”

Head of finance Michel Macelli added that working with ACCA enabled the company to attract and retain the most

talented people.

The range of prestigious qualifications that ACCA offers – from technician level to specialist MBA programmes –

provides a platform to develop financial expertise throughout Vodafone’s local business

CLIENT: VODAFONE DIRECT MEDIUM: DI-VE.COM DATE: 16 NOVEMBER 2012

16 | 11 | 2012 at 16:30

Lewis Hamilton

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team visit Malta

Article By:di-ve.com news

editorial@di-ve.com

Vodafone will bring to Malta Lewis Hamilton and a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes car.

The video features an interview during the visit by the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team.

CLIENT: VODAFONE DIRECT MEDIUM: DI-VE.COM DATE: 21 NOVEMBER 2012

Last Updated 21 | 11 | 2012 at 15:10

Vodafone Malta signs agreement with MEA Article By: di-ve.com news

editorial@di-ve.com

Vodafone Malta has signed an agreement with the Malta Employers Association with the aim

of getting closer to employers around Malta and Gozo whilst remaining aware of their needs

in order to provide them with the required support.

Marketing Executive at Vodafone Malta Carina Borg said that the agreement is in line with

the current strategy to continue keeping in touch with the business community in the Maltese

Islands.

The aim of the Malta Employers Association is to unite employers and guide them towards

working in a modern business climate maintaining optimum relations between employers and

their employees.

President of the Malta Employers Association Joshua Zammit said that mobile telephony has

become an important presence that helps people keep up-to-date with all that’s happening and

going on. “The Malta Employers Association is glad to have found Vodafone Malta ready to

support its initiatives and we are very much grateful for this support,” he said.

CLIENT: VODAFONE DIRECT MEDIUM: JOSANNECASSAR.COM DATE: 22 NOVEMBER 2012

Vodafone employee joins “Heroes” in

London

Roberta Pace, the Administrator of the Vodafone Malta Foundation was selected as Vodafone

Malta’s “Annual Hero” for 2012, and together with 25 other Vodafone Global Heroes from

across all Vodafone’s Operating Companies attended the Global Heroes initiative in London.

The Vodafone Global Heroe is an award dedicated to high performers and role models who

behave in The Vodafone Way. Heroes from across all OpCos are selected on an annual basis

and are recognized for their outstanding contribution and for the results they bring to the

company’s success. The Vodafone Group Executive Committee identify and recognise

“Global Heroes” who are invited to an all-expenses paid International VIP weekend trip to

London, where they have the opportunity to meet Vodafone Group CEO, Vittorio Colao, and

celebrate with other Global Heroes from around the world.

“I have no words to express the honour for receiving such an award. I dedicate this award to

my work mates and to my family because without their support I would have never achieved

this. My motto that drives me is Mother Theresa saying: “I’m a little pencil in the hand of a

writing God, who is sending a love letter to the world.”

“From the moment I landed, I was treated like royalty and it was a very exciting trip. I’m so

grateful to the people that strongly believe in me” said Roberta Pace. “One of the most

unforgettable experiences was our visit to the London Eye, from there you can see the iconic

landmarks such as the Tower Bridge, Big Ben and many more places.”

The Heroes’ stories are diverse and range from innovative network solutions to simplifying

internal processes to improving customer experience. Roberta Pace found new ways on how

to raise awareness and engage Vodafone employees in Social Responsability activities within

the company. She managed to increase the participation of employees in carrying out

voluntary work with charitabe institutions, which are supported by the Vodafone Malta

Foundation, and included team building sessions in such activities.

CLIENT: VODAFONE DIRECT MEDIUM: JOSANNECASSAR.COM DATE: 22 NOVEMBER 2012

The Heroes from the different operating companies had a jam packed itinerary on the agenda,

including a visit to Vodafone’s global headquarters in London, a visit to the Mc Laren

Technology Centre – home of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula One team, a Dinner

Cruise on the river Thames, a luxurious breakfast at the London Eye, a sightseeing tour of the

Tower of London, a top London theatre show, Buckingham Palace audio tour, English tea at

Harrods and dinners in top London restaurants and more.

Photo Caption from L to R: Vodafone Group’s CEO Vittorio Colao, Roberta Pace from

Vodafone Malta Foundation and Ronald Schellekens Vodafone Group’s HR Director.

CLIENT: VODAFONE DIRECT MEDIUM: INDEPENDENT.COM DATE: 21 NOVEMBER 2012

Vodafone Malta signs agreement with the Malta Employers Association

Wednesday, 21 November 2012, 18:14

Vodafone Malta has signed an agreement with the Malta Employers Association with the aim of getting closer to employers around Malta and Gozo whilst remaining aware of their needs so as to be able to provide them with the support they require. “We are delighted to have finalised this agreement with the Malta Employers Association. This agreement is in line with our current strategy to continue keeping in touch with the business community in the Maltese Islands,” said Carina Borg, Marketing Executive at Vodafone Malta.

The Malta Employers Association is a constituted body which seeks to unite employers from all sectors of the industry in Malta together and guide them towards working in a modern business climate. Its main objective is to maintain optimum relations between employers and their employees. Another important aim of the Association is to take a strong stand for its members’ rights in matters regarding Human Resources, in a manner that influences national policy making and legislation on terms and conditions of employment, industrial relations and social policy, while safeguarding the legitimate interests of employers. The Malta Employers Association continuously promotes work ethics and contributes actively to the sustained increase of national wealth through the continued enhancment of employer and employee relations.

“Telecommunications is an extremely important aspect of our members’ lives. More than ever before, mobile telephony has become an important presence that helps our members keep up-to-date with all that’s happening and going on. The Malta Employers Association is glad to have found Vodafone Malta ready to support its initiatives and we are very much grateful for this support,” said Joshua Zammit, President of the Malta Employers Association.

Other stories in the news

CLIENT: GO CSR DIRECT MEDIUM: GOZONEWS.COM DATE: 22 NOVEMBER 2012

GO once again pledges support to l-Istrina 2012 campaign

Published on Thursday, 22, November, 2012 at 11:33 in Malta News | No Comments

GO has announced that it is once again pledging its support to Malta’s dynamic fund raising campaign and recently

presented the Malta Community Chest Fund with the sum of €64,492 that is GO’s revenue share from phone-in

donations made via fixed lines and mobile during last year’s edition of L-Istrina.

GO is one of L-Istrina’s long-standing partners and has for several years been actively involved in the worthy cause.

On grounds of its participation in this immensely popular activity, GO said that it has an intrinsic role in the

management of communications for the l-Istrina activity and offers its support by waiving all the charges associated

with phone-in platform and the telecom infrastructure that supports this nationwide charity event. Last year, GO also

waived associated labour costs.

GO is the official communications provider for the Malta Community Chest Fund and provides communication

services for L-Istrina and other charity events in aid of L-Istrina held at Verdala Palace. In addition, GO gives its

support by providing a wide range of communications and entertainment services free of charge throughout the year at

the Malta Community Chest Fund (MCCF) premises, the Palace, Valletta and the l-Istrina Office housed at San Anton

Palace, Attard.

CLIENT: GO CSR DIRECT MEDIUM: GOZONEWS.COM DATE: 22 NOVEMBER 2012

Charles Mansueto, l-Istrina Project Manager at GO said, “We have supported l-Istrina, since its inception way back in

1996. Today we do not only support the activity, but have teamed up with l-Istrina because we strongly believe that the

initiative provides a much needed revenue source to local NGOs and charitable institutions. We are part of their on-

going drive to improve the lives of persons in need locally. For this reason, GO is committed to providing an excellent

state-of-the-art communications framework for this much awaited philanthropic event.”

GO will this year install the usual telephone setup that basically consists of a phone-in platform to receive calls over

the Premium Number service. This system, equipped with about 70 telephones, receives calls from the public and

accepts donations on a real-time basis. Some other 60 lines will be used for the support and coordination of the

activity.

The backbone infrastructure will consist mainly of fibre cables that were extended from Rabat all the way up to

Verdala Palace last year. The fibre cables will support all the telecom services including hot lines, pledge lines, general

lines with ‘hunting’ facility, SMS donation lines and mobile connections, as well as data connections for high-speed

ADSL for use by l-Istrina.

During the presentation of GO’s donation cheque to President George Abela, Markus Golder, Chief Commercial

Officer at GO said, “This time of the year is very special for GO in that we take the chance to focus some of our efforts

on meeting our important social responsibilities. Throughout the year GO supports a range of deserving events aimed

at enhancing life standards for people in need. These events cover a wide spectrum of community experience with l-

Istrina being by far the leading philantophic initiative we have invested in over the years.”

“We are indeed privileged to have the opportunity of working closely with the organising team for L-Istrina, all local

TV stations and indeed everyone committed to the success of this year’s edition of l-Istrina. Our technical teams – as

always – will be making every effort to secure the success of the fund-raising marathon.”

GO will again waive charges as well as provide man-hours, communications infrastructure and various quad-play

services throughout the event and once again join forces with other local companies and will be making a cash

donation to l-Istrina in line with its social responsibilities.

Photo – GO HR Director, Michelle Bonnici, and GO Chief Commercial Officer, Markus Golder with President

George Abela during GO’s presentation of a cheque worth €64,492 to l-Istrina.

CLIENT: GO DIRECT MEDIUM: DI-VE.COM DATE: 21 NOVEMBER 2012

Last Updated 21 | 11 | 2012 at 17:59

Super Top Ups from GO – the must-have for mobile callers and texters Article By: di-ve.com news

editorial@di-ve.com

GO just launched Super Top Ups – a not to be missed chance for mobile customers who are

frequently on their phone making calls or sending messages. The Super Top Ups offer runs

till 31 January 2013 giving customers more value with the chance to pay for a minute and talk

for an hour when calling any GO mobile and GO fixed line number or to send free SMS to all

GO mobile numbers – depending on the particular option they choose.

The offer is open to Pay As You GO Base Plan and Pay As You GO Home Pack Plan

customers.

Customers who enjoy long conversations, have the chance to stay on the phone for longer at

the cost of just the first minute. To apply for this top-up option, customers need to register

prior to topping up by sending an SMS – free of charge – with the word ‘FREETALK’ to

16414 and, in the case of customers using BlackBerry smartphones: ‘FREETALKBB.’

GO mobile customers interested in registering for the texters’ option can do so simply by

sending an SMS to the same number 16414 with the word ‘FREESMS’ or ‘FREESMSBB’ if

using BlackBerry smartphones.

Romina Zammit, manager for GO’s Mobile Residential Segment team, said: “We are

delighted to be in a position to offer our mobile customers outstanding value for their money.

The attractive perks attached to either of the two options makes the Super Top Up offer a

CLIENT: GO DIRECT MEDIUM: DI-VE.COM DATE: 21 NOVEMBER 2012

must-have for our mobile customers – whether they are avid callers or if texting is more their

kind of thing.”

The offer is available in two variants – one targeted at those who make frequent long calls and

the second for those who just love texting and so grab every opportunity to send an SMS!

The callers’ offer carries attractive advantages for those who are into making long calls at all

hours of the day and night. Customers who top up with €10 enjoy a special call rate of €0.25c

per hour – not per minute – to all GO numbers, fixed and mobile – hence they pay for a

minute and call for an hour to their hearts’ content!. In addition, they also get 100MB of

mobile internet free of charge. Customers who top up with €20 get even more as, apart from

the special call rate of €0.25c per hour, they benefit from a larger mobile internet bundle of

250MB for free.

The free SMS offer is just the perfect solution for mobile users who prefer texting to calls.

The €10 top-up plan comes with 200 free SMS to all GO mobile numbers and 100MB of free

mobile internet. The €20 top-up gives customers a lot more by way of free services and has

hit the market with 500 free SMS to all GO mobile numbers as well as 250MB of free mobile

internet.

The super top-up bundles for voice, SMS and mobile internet are all valid for 30 days.

Customers can conveniently query the remaining SMS and MB in their bundle whenever they

feel the need to do so by sending an SMS free of charge to 16415. The query result will also

return the expiry date of the free SMS and mobile data assigned as well as the expiry date of

the voice benefit, if the long callers option is selected.

For more information on the Super Top Ups, customers are welcome to drop in at GO outlets

or exclusive resellers in Malta and Gozo. They can call anytime on Freephone 8007 2121 or

146 from their GO mobile. Alternatively they can visit the website: www.go.com.mt or the

GO facebook page.Terms and conditions apply.

CLIENT: GO DIRECT MEDIUM: GOZONEWS.COM DATE: 21 NOVEMBER 2012

GO launch Super Top Ups for mobile callers and texters

Published on Wednesday, 21, November, 2012 at 15:15 in Malta News | No Comments

GO has just launched Super Top Ups – The Super Top Ups offer runs till 31 January 2013 giving customers more

value with the chance to pay for a minute and talk for an hour when calling any GO mobile and GO fixed line number

or to send free SMS to all GO mobile numbers – depending on the particular option they choose.

The offer is open to Pay As You GO Base Plan and Pay As You GO Home Pack Plan customers.

The company said that customers who enjoy long conversations, have the chance to stay on the phone for longer at the

cost of just the first minute. To apply for this top-up option, customers need to register prior to topping up by sending

an SMS – free of charge – with the word ‘FREETALK’ to 16414 and, in the case of customers using BlackBerry

smartphones: ‘FREETALKBB.’

GO mobile customers interested in registering for the texters’ option can do so simply by sending an SMS to the same

number 16414 with the word ‘FREESMS’ or ‘FREESMSBB’ if using BlackBerry smartphones.

Romina Zammit, manager for GO’s Mobile Residential Segment team, said, “We are delighted to be in a position to

offer our mobile customers outstanding value for their money. The attractive perks attached to either of the two options

makes the Super Top Up offer a must-have for our mobile customers – whether they are avid callers or if texting is

more their kind of thing.”

The offer is available in two variants – one targeted at those who make frequent long calls and the second for those

who just love texting.

GO said that the callers’ offer carries attractive advantages for those who are into making long calls at all hours of the

day and night. Customers who top up with €10 enjoy a special call rate of €0.25c per hour – not per minute – to all GO

numbers, fixed and mobile – hence they pay for a minute and call for an hour to their hearts’ content. In addition, they

CLIENT: GO DIRECT MEDIUM: GOZONEWS.COM DATE: 21 NOVEMBER 2012

also get 100MB of mobile internet free of charge. Customers who top up with €20 get even more as, apart from the

special call rate of €0.25c per hour, they benefit from a larger mobile internet bundle of 250MB for free.

The free SMS offer is just the perfect solution for mobile users who prefer texting to calls. The €10 top-up plan comes

with 200 free SMS to all GO mobile numbers and 100MB of free mobile internet. The €20 top-up gives customers a

lot more by way of free services and has hit the market with 500 free SMS to all GO mobile numbers as well as

250MB of free mobile internet.

The super top-up bundles for voice, SMS and mobile internet are all valid for 30 days. Customers can conveniently

query the remaining SMS and MB in their bundle whenever they feel the need to do so by sending an SMS free of

charge to 16415. The query result will also return the expiry date of the free SMS and mobile data assigned as well as

the expiry date of the voice benefit, if the long callers option is selected.

For more information on the Super Top Ups, customers are welcome to drop in at GO outlets or exclusive resellers in

Malta and Gozo.

Customers can call anytime on Freephone 8007 2121 or 146 from their GO mobile. Alternatively they can visit the

website: www.go.com or the GO facebook page.

Terms and conditions apply.

CLIENT: MELITA DIRECT MEDIUM: TIMESOFMALTA.COM DATE: 22 NOVEMBER 2012

Thursday, November 22, 2012 by

Martin Debattista

Melita responds to demand for faster and better internet

access

Melita has invested in a new link to Milan through one of the world’s best providers to cater for the demand of

increasingly better internet access in Malta.

More video content and more devices connected to the internet are driving the demand for better access, leading Melita to invest in a new international link to Milan through Level 3, one of the only six so-called tier 1 data operators in the world which counts tech giants such as Apple and Netflix among its clients.

“Internet traffic continues to grow apace driven by, among others, more video content and more devices being connected to the web. As the internet traffic volume continues to grow, Melita decided this was the right moment to take its next steps in strengthening its international connectivity,” Melita chief technical officer Simon Montanaro explained.

“The new link improves services for a growing segment of business customers, particularly in the igaming and financial services sector, who run their business over the web and for whom the quality of international connectivity is critical.

“The link also complements work carried out by Melita in recent years on speed upgrades, not least raising the minimum entry speeds in bundles to 30Mbps and providing nationwide access to 100Mbps download speeds.”

The new link goes through Melita’s head-end at Madliena, through its submarine data cable connecting Malta to Sicily and complements the older link which had been in use for years.

CLIENT: MELITA DIRECT MEDIUM: TIMESOFMALTA.COM DATE: 22 NOVEMBER 2012

While the new link to Milan with Level 3 has, by far, the more comprehensive reach and scale globally, the older link through Wind International Services has excellent services in Italy and this country is a popular destination for local traffic. A second link increases the resiliency of the internet services provided.

“The Government has adopted a clear vision for Malta to become a Smart Island and Melita supports and endorses this ambition. Malta’s physical isolation as an island state detached from mainland Europe drives the need for continuous improvements in international connectivity,” Mr Montanaro added.

Apart from investing in its core infrastructure and international connectivity, Melita has been piloting high-speed Internet access through public Wi-Fi hotspots. The aim is to provide its customers a seamless experience both at home and outside.

Melita’s chief technology officer revealed that “the first pilot projects went well and taught us lessons which are necessary to assimilate into our designs. In particular we had the opportunity to test the service in normal circumstances as well as under severe traffic conditions. We spent considerable time collecting feedback on customer experience, from Wi-Fi discovery, to log-in and usage – all of which vary from one handset and operating system to another.

“As the objective is to provide a truly integrated experience there is plenty of effort necessary from a core and transport layer perspective. Work is ongoing.

“There are also some changes in standards that require us to revisit our roadmap. Melita is currently engaged in dialogue with equipment vendors and the actual rollout is dependent on the outcome of these discussions.”

Melita’s efforts in the field of broadband internet access have been recognised by independent reviewers. As at the end of October, independent international website www.netindex.com showed that the average internet download speed for Melita’s customers reaches almost 23 Mbps as opposed to an EU average of 16Mbps and a local average of 17 Megabits.

More than 20,000 tests were performed by clients using their home or office computers to help www.netindex.com establish the average download speeds.

The operator has also scored an exceptional 98.5 per cent rating on the ‘Promise Index’ meaning that practically, all customers enjoy the broadband speed they pay for.

CLIENT: BOV DIRECT MEDIUM: INDEPENDENT.COM DATE: 16 NOVEMBER 2012

“Special Moments”, an exhibition by Doriette Gauci Sciortino

Friday, 16 November 2012, 19:08

The Institution of Tourism Studies will be hosting Doriette Gauci Sciortino’s third solo exhibition entitled “Special Moments”. Bank of Valletta, the leading patron of arts and culture in Malta, is supporting this exhibition.

Doriette Gauci Sciortino, a self-taught artist, works primarily in oils and has now established herself as a qualified interpreter of marine scenes. She organised various exhibitions, both solo and collective, with outstanding success. She was the organiser of the collective exhibitions “Diversity in Arts” for 2007,2008 and 2009.

Ms Gauci Sciortino organised her first solo exhibition at The Gallery at the Corinthia Palace Hotel at Attard in 2004.

This exhibition which will be open to the public between the 16th and the 30th November at the Institution of Tourism Studies , St George’s Bay, presents an excellent opportunity for the Maltese public to be treated to a variety of artistic styles.