“Cablenet’s growing base of business customers across the island reflects this rising enterprise demand and future infrastructure investment will be designed to meet the increasingly complex connectivity needs of both local and international operators,” says Mandy Calleja, the Head of Corporate Communications at GO plc.
In an interview with GOLD magazine, Calleja explains why the leading Maltese telecommunications provider chose to invest in Cyprus during a difficult period and how that decision became the springboard for Cablenet’s strong growth and continuing evolution.
GO Group has invested over €100 million in Cablenet over the past decade. What led to the initial decision on this investment and what will the next phase look like?
GO Group’s investment in Cablenet in 2014 was driven by a clear long-term vision. At a time when many investors were withdrawing capital from Cyprus (following the 2013 financial crisis), GO saw an opportunity. The fundamentals were compelling: a Mediterranean island economy with a highly educated workforce, strong long-term growth prospects and a clear need for a modern telecommunications infrastructure. Since then, the Group has invested approximately €100 million in Cyprus, helping transform Cablenet into the island’s second-largest telecommunications operator. Looking ahead, GO plans to invest a further €75 million over the next five years. This next phase will focus on upgrading the fixed network to support speeds of up to 10 gigabits, expanding mobile network capacity and coverage, and continuing to enhance the overall customer experience.
Cyprus has seen a large number of international companies relocating to the island or expanding their operations here. How has this affected demand for telecommunications infrastructure and connectivity?
Cyprus’ growing appeal as a base for international businesses has meaningfully raised the bar for enterprise-grade connectivity. Companies relocating or expanding their operations to the island arrive with sophisticated digital requirements, including reliable high-speed internet, resilient infrastructure and scalable business solutions. This shift has reinforced GO Group’s belief that investing in Cyprus’ digital backbone is not simply a commercial decision but a strategic one of national importance. Cablenet’s growing base of business customers across the island reflects this rising enterprise demand and future infrastructure investment will be designed to meet the increasingly complex connectivity needs of both local and international operators.
How does the Cypriot telecoms market compare to that of other European countries, particularly in broadband and mobile services?
Cyprus, much like Malta, is a compact island market that consistently punches above its weight. As mentioned previously, Cablenet’s planned network upgrades to deliver fixed speeds of up to 10 gigabits place it firmly in line with the ambitions of leading European operators. The rollout of 5G mobile services further signals Cyprus’ trajectory towards a fully modern digital infrastructure. While larger markets may benefit from greater economies of scale, the island’s size can equally be an advantage, allowing for more targeted, high-quality network deployment. GO Group’s continued investment underscores our confidence that Cyprus can hold its own and, in several respects, just like Malta, lead within the broader European digital landscape.
Cablenet recently announced a 10% increase in its mobile subscriber base and has launched new product packages, such as its 5G mobile portfolio. How have consumer demands changed in recent years? How does Cablenet adjust its strategies and products to attract a younger generation of customers?
Consumer expectations have shifted dramatically. Today’s customers, particularly younger demographics, demand speed, value and seamless digital experiences across every touchpoint. Cablenet’s recently launched 5G mobile portfolio is a direct response to this evolution. The younger generation is drawn to brands that are agile, digitally native and genuinely transparent. Cablenet’s strategy to build a loyal customer base around simplicity, transparency and outstanding service is precisely designed to resonate with customers. As you said, the company has seen 10% growth in its mobile subscriber base and its vision to become the most trusted and customer-obsessed digital brand in Cyprus is as much about cultural positioning as it is about product development. Ultimately we want customers to focus on who and what to connect to and not how they will connect.
Cablenet’s latest communication strategy focuses on transparency and clarity around its products and packages. How does this help customers address the complexities of evolving technology?
In an industry where product complexity can easily overwhelm customers, transparency and simplicity is a genuine competitive differentiator. Cablenet’s commitment to clear, straightforward communication cuts through the noise and builds the kind of trust that translates into long-term loyalty. When customers understand exactly what they are getting – without hidden conditions or confusing terminology – they feel respected and valued. This approach is especially important as technology continues to evolve rapidly. Cablenet’s strategy ensures that innovation is accessible, making the digital world genuinely inclusive. This aligns directly with GO Group’s broader purpose of driving a digital society in which no-one is left behind.
What emerging trends do you expect to be driving further innovation in the telecoms sector?
Several trends are converging to shape the next chapter of telecommunications. The continued rollout of 5G will unlock new use cases well beyond mobile connectivity, from smart cities to connected healthcare and industrial automation. At the same time, demand for ultra-fast broadband connectivity – as evidenced by Cablenet’s planned 10-gigabit network upgrades – will redefine what households and businesses expect as standard. Artificial intelligence will increasingly inform how operators personalise services and optimise networks in real time. And across all of this, the integration of fixed and mobile services into seamless, unified digital ecosystems will become the defining feature of the leading operators. GO Group and Cablenet are positioning themselves to be at the forefront of all of these shifts.
This interview first appeared in the April edition of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it.
