GO has just announced the launch of rapido – a new series of state-of-the-art superfast Internet services delivered through fibre optic technology. The Company said that the new rapido service reaches speeds of up to 200 Megabits per second, twice faster than cable, and is delivered over 100% fibre optic technology straight to customers’ homes.

Following successful trials in parts of Ta’ Xbiex and St. Julian’s, GO said it is now pioneering an extensive rollout of Fibre to the Home (FTTH) around Malta starting in H’Attard, near Tal-Mirakli. Customers choosing rapido can expect superfast downloads, exceptional support for multiple devices and users, lag-free gaming and more, the company said. Customers may choose from three rapido multiplay packages with varying download speeds to suit their needs.

In line with its commitment to consistently deliver state-of-the-art products & services GO said that it has been pioneering fibre optic technology for many years. The Company said that fibre solutions have long been a key part of GO’s product suite for catering for business customers who require reliabile, consistent and ultra-fast communications at all times.

The Company added that GO was the first communications provider in Malta to offer 100Mbps fibre connectivity starting with commercial trials at multi-tenant buildings at Portomaso in St Julian’s and Forth Mansions in Ta’ Xbiex.

GO said that investment in infrastructure is in line with its technology roadmap announced in 2010, which is an extensive €100 million investment programme that oversees the roll-out of Next Generation Networks including FTTH to support new services and applications. The Company said that such investment is the catalyst of its commitment to customers, signalling a determination to provide top quality and reliable service, great new products and packages and outstanding customer care.

In the future, GO said it will continue to invest in such projects and commits itself to give customers a taste of the outstanding customer experience that services over fibre deliver.

Speaking at the launch of this new venture, Michael Mertsch, GO’s Chief Technical Officer said: “Today we are launching Malta’s first Fibre to the Home network. rapido – GO’s next generation fibre network is second to none and, in the months and years ahead, we’re going to be busy rolling out superfast internet speeds with an amazing multiple user experience in homes all around Malta – even near yours!”

“GO has decided to venture where others have not – investing in fibre to the home, a bold step forward and a major investment by any standard. It’s great news for all our customers. We are smashing today’s speed limits in Malta with our superfast internet. The experience is exceptional. Whether our customers are watching Interactive HD TV, playing live online games or transferring large amounts of information, it’s consistently superfast internet whenever they use it.”

Markus Golder, Chief Commercial Officer at GO said: “We are delighted to be offering our customers the full benefits of fibre technology in their homes thanks to FTTH. Fibre to the Home is revolutionary, it signifies speeds without boundaries for faster streaming, downloads and uploads, providing superb customer experience, powering multiple devices and more – bringing the revolution to customers’ homes!”

“GO’s FTTH is the only 100% fibre optic network that translates into smoother, more reliable and ultra-fast service with speeds of up to 200Mbps at Forth Mansions in Ta’ Xbiex and Portomaso in St Julians, and now at customers’ homes near Tal-Mirakli, H’Attard. Meanwhile we already offer 35Mbps broadband almost nationwide.”

GO’s first rapido customers in H’Attard have been providing regular feedback on their experience. GO is extremely satisfied with the feedback received which has turned out to be even better than expected.

“All 3 of us at home can now use the internet at the same time. This fast internet helps me browse much faster which means I can get my research done earlier, while my son plays online games or does his own school research while my wife does some video streaming. I am now able to get my work done faster, in a timely manner and with no delays.” said TV presenter and journalist, Brian Hansford.

Another resident, a young student in his teens, Matthias McCarthy, said, “Previously, I would try to take part in peer-to-peer online games. Imagine, you are gearing up with all your friends and you’re right there at the target site and you’ve just lost your internet connection! It’s so frustrating. With fibre internet, I haven’t had any trouble playing online games!” His younger sister Michaila strongly agreed to what her brother said.

“With fibre internet you immediately get what you want. Everything will be ready to go when you are. So whether you are uploading videos and photos, streaming TV, movies or You Tube or playing your favourite online games, all you need to do is click and you’re there.” commented Commercial Executive, Neil Galea.

Another resident, technical service manager, Mark Borg, said, “Really impressed with the internet performance. I have seen downloads hitting the 84Mbps which I find really useful, as I’m a technical person and frequently need to update computers, download software ISOs, etc… I’m addicted.”

“It’s great to watch my favorite chef right there on my interactive TV, showing me how to prepare a delicious meal for my family while my husband is teleworking. Multiple, simultaneous TV and internet connections are just super with fibre internet,” said Sharon Micallef who works in food preparation.

The Company concluded by saying that rapido comes in three variants – 35Mbps, 75Mbps and 200Mbps – which are very attractive when taken as part of GO’s Home Pack Interactive packages. Starting from only €55 per month, in addition to a very high speed, unlimited broadband connection, customers get unlimited fixed voice calls to all GO fixed line numbers, up to 400 free monthly mobile minutes and IPTV with over 70 channels. The IPTV service comes with interactive features that include restart, catch-up, pause, rewind and record.

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