numbering range) Regulations, 2011

L.N. 274 of 2011

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS (REGULATION) ACT

(CAP. 399)

Single European Emergency Call Service (“112” number) and

the European Harmonised Services of Social Value (“116”

numbering range) Regulations, 2011

IN exercise of the powers conferred by article 47 of the

Electronic Communications (Regulation) Act, the Minister for

Infrastructure, Transport and Communications, after consultation

with the Malta Communications Authority, has made the following

regulations:-

Part I

Preliminary

The title of these regulations is the Single European

Emergency Call Service (“112” number) and the European

Harmonised Services of Social Value (“116” numbering range)

Regulations, 2011.

(1)

In these regulations, unless the context otherwise

requires

“the Act” means the Electronic Communications

(Regulation) Act and includes any regulations made

thereunder;

“the Authority” means the Malta Communications

Authority established under the Malta Communications

Authority Act;

“competent public body” means any such public

body or bodies as the Minister may after consultation with

the Minister responsible for such public body and with the

Authority, designate in the Schedule to these regulations in

accordance with his powers under article 47 of the Act, to be

responsible or to undertake any or all of the functions stated

in these regulations

Provided that the Minister may designate different public

bodies to be responsible and, or to undertake the different

functions stated in these regulations;

“harmonised service of social value” means a service,

pursuant to the European Commission Decision 2007/116/

EC of 15 February 2007, meeting a common description to

be accessed by individuals by using a freephone number,

which is potentially of value to visitors from other countries

and which answers a specific social need, in particular which

contributes to the well-being or safety of citizens, or particular

groups of citizens, or helps citizens in difficulty;

“the Minister” means the Minister responsible for

communications.

(2) Unless otherwise stated in these regulations, the

definitions in the Electronic Communications (Regulation) Act

shall apply.

Part II

The Single European Emergency Call Service (“112” number)

The competent public body shall ensure that

communications to the single European emergency call service

shall be answered and handled expeditiously and effectively.

(1) The competent public body shall take measures to

ensure that the single European emergency call service provided

to disabled end-users is equivalent to that provided to other end-

users.

(2) Measures taken to ensure that disabled end-users

are able to access the single European emergency call service

whilst travelling in Malta, shall be based to the greatest extent

possible on European standards or specifications published in

accordance with the provisions of Article 17 of the Framework

Directive

Provided that these standards or specifications

shall not prevent the adoption of additional requirements in order

to pursue the objectives set out in this regulation.

The competent public body shall, to the extent technically

feasible, establish criteria for the accuracy and reliability of the

caller location information provided. In doing so, it shall consult

the Authority.

The competent public body shall ensure that the general

public is adequately informed about the existence and use of the

single European emergency call number “112” in Malta and across

Europe, and shall, in addition, implement initiatives specifically

targeting persons travelling in Malta.

Part III

European Harmonised Services of Social Value (“116”

numbering range)

(1) In this Part “service” refers to the harmonised

service of social value.

(2) Any competent public body designated to be

responsible for a service under this Part shall, as a minimum,

ensure that

(a) the service provides information, or assistance, or a

reporting tool to citizens, or any combination thereof;

(b) the service is open to all individuals without any

requirement of prior registration;

(c) the service is not time-limited;

(d) there is no payment, or payment commitment as a

prerequisite to use the service; and

(e) the following activities are excluded during a call

(i)

advertisement,

(ii)

entertainment,

(iii)

marketing and selling, and

(iv) using the call for the future selling of

commercial services.

(1) A competent public body designated to be

responsible for a service under this Part shall take measures to

ensure that the service is, to the greatest extent possible, provided

to disabled end-users.

(2) Measures taken in accordance with this regulation

to ensure that disabled end-users are able to access such services

whilst travelling in Malta, shall be based on compliance with

relevant standards or specifications published in accordance with

Article 17 of the Framework Directive.

A competent public body designated to be responsible Provision of

for a service under this Part shall ensure that the general public is information.

adequately informed of the existence and use of the said service

provided under the stated “116” numbering range in Malta and

across Europe, and shall, in addition, implement initiatives

specifically targeting persons travelling in Malta.

B

Schedule

(Regulation 2)

The public bodies listed hereunder shall be responsible for and, or

undertake the functions listed in this Schedule

Competent public

Provisions for which

 
 





body responsible

the competent public

body is responsible

The Commissioner of

Regulations 3 to 6

  




Police

 


 

Ministry for Justice and

Regulations 7 to 9 in

 

  



Home Affairs

so far as these relate to  

the hotline for missing

children

Ministry of Education,

Regulations 7 to 9 in

 




Employment and the

so far as these relate to   

Family

the helpline for

emotional support

€0.45