Today’s Newspaper

Cuttings

21 December 2012

Today’s news online di-ve.com Melita offers free channels – Melita direct

A Christmas present from Go – Go direct

HSBC employees donate blood – HSBC CSR

Melita sees rise in broadband subscribers – Melita direct BOV’s €110.7 million equal 110 trees – BOV CSR

Vodafone sponsors Xmas stories – Vodafone CSR direct

Melita supports YMCA Homeless – Melita CSR direct

Gozonews.com Bank of Valletta has planted 110 trees at Majjistral park – BOV CSR

Vodafone Malta sponsors a collection of Christmas stories – Vodafone CSR direct

Independent.com.mt Free viewing of exclusive Melita channels until Sunday – Melita direct

HSBC Malta employees in blood drive initiative – HSBC CSR

Melita internet wins 88% of market subscriber growth – Melita direct

Planting more trees – BOV CSR

Lucky – Vodafone direct

Itnews.com HTC Windows Phone 8x review – Vodafone direct

Today’s news online

Josannecassar.com Vodafone Malta Foundation sponsors Christmas stories – Vodafone CSR direct

Vodafone employees pose with McLaren Mercedes – Vodafone direct

MaltaToday Portal Melita internet wins 88% of market subscriber growth – Melita direct

Vodafone employees revamp children’s quarters ahead of Christmas – Vodafone CSR direct

Timesofmalta.com Melita gives free access to three channels for the weekend – Melita direct McLaren Mercedes on show at Paqpaqli ghall-Istrina – BOV CSR

Piggy banks collected for counting – BOV CSR

McLaren Mercedes on show at Paqpaqli ghall-Istrina – Vodafone direct

Piggy banks being collected for counting – BOV CSR

Cable TV channels – Melita anti

Melita celebrates success – Melita direct

Vodafone in the news

CLIENT: VODAFONE DIRECT MEDIUM: ITNEWS.COM DATE: 17 DECEMBER 2012

HTC Windows Phone 8x Review

Posted on 17. Dec, 2012 by Jesmond Darmanin in Mobile

HTC’s new Windows Phone 8X is by itself proof, that the company can not only build great

Android phones, but is able of building also an incredibly solid Windows Phone 8 device.

The HTC Windows Phone 8X sports a 4.3-inch Super LCD2 720p display with a pixel

density of 342ppi, and it’s protected with Gorilla Glass 2. The display itself is amazing and

viewing angles are great, and images and text are really crisp. The back consists of a curved

piece of soft-touch plastic that provides a wonderful grip and since it has a smaller 4.3-inch

screen, the size of the 8X doesn’t make it overwhelming to hold. Holding the device feels

great.

On the top of the handset, you have the headphone jack (enhanced with Beats Audio

technology, of course) and the power button, while the volume rocker and a dedicated camera

button are placed on the right side, along with the SIM card slot towards the top. On the back,

there’s the 8MP camera with the speaker placed towards the bottom right. The microUSB port

is placed directly on the bottom in the center (which I have grown to dislike unfortunately, but

not a deal breaker).

On the inside, there’s the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 chip with a dual-core Krait 1.5ghz

processor. Partnered with the S4 are Adreno 225 graphics, and there’s also 1GB of RAM and

16GB of internal storage (sorry, no microSD slot on this one either).

The 8X is incredibly fast and snappy, and the animations (which are what makes Windows

Phone 8 look really good) are incredibly smooth. Apps opened quickly, and the dedicated

camera button on the side of the phone makes it easy to snap a photo, which is always great to

have. The 1800mAh battery is adequate, and while you’ll be able to go most of the day

without having to keep it near an outlet, you’ll most likely have to charge it up by the evening

with average usage.

The 8X has an 8MP rear camera with a 2.1MP front-facing shooter. There’s nothing to

complain about here, and while it’s not the best camera on a Windows Phone 8 device, it

certainly performs. If you can’t get your hands on a Lumia 920 (which arguably has the best

camera on a WP8 handset), the 8X is a good second choice. It handles low-light conditions

surprisingly well. Although, even with adequate lighting, images sometimes appear darker

than what they should. However, autofocus, as well as auto-exposure and white balance work

pretty well.

The dedicated camera button on the side of the device is two-stage, which means you can

push the button halfway down to lock in the settings and then all the way down to snap the

photo. The button takes a little bit of force in order to push it down all the way, but you can

also use the touchscreen as the shutter button for an alternative.

CLIENT: VODAFONE DIRECT MEDIUM: ITNEWS.COM DATE: 17 DECEMBER 2012

As far as negative points for this phone, there isn’t really a lot to say, but something that must

be mentioned is that for the time being, the Windows app store is still a bit limited, and that if

you are app crazy and download new apps very frequently, this might not be a great option for

you. On the other hand, if you are bored of your iPhone or android, and want something that

just work, looks amazing and stands out – this is for sure the phone for you.

Essentially, the 8X from HTC is a great and solid device to test out Windows Phone 8.

Personally, it wasn’t my first time playing around with Windows Phone 8, so I was pretty

familiar with the user interface, but I’m sure that a non-Windows 8 user would feel

immediately familiar with this phone. Sadly my time with the review unit provided to me

from Vodafone Malta is over, and I must return the phone soon… I’m sure it’s going to be a

sad departure.

CLIENT: VODAFONE CSR DIRECT MEDIUM: INDEPENDENT.COM DATE: 12 DECEMBER 2012

Vodafone Malta Foundation sponsors

Christmas stories

Meta l-Ponsjetta tibda tħammar is the title of a collection of Christmas stories written by

Loreto J.Dalli sponsored by Vodafone Malta Foundation. All the revenue from this new

publication, which was launched in November, will go towards the children at Dar Piccola

Casa di San Giuseppe in Valletta and to secondary school students in needy families.

Throughout the years Loreto J. Dalli wrote a number of novels with Christmas as the main

theme. These were then published in a leading newspaper during the Christmas season. “I

have always dreamt of one day publishing these novels, and this year, thanks to Vodafone

Malta Foundation together with Malta International Airport, I succeeded in collecting them all

in one volume,” said Loreto J.Dalli. “However, for me, the most important thing about this is

that all revenue generated from the sales of this book will go towards those who are really in

need”.

Dalli’s novels have always been set in a Maltese environment in different periods. The book

includes ten stories each with a different theme featuring love and friendship. His aim was

that through his stories he would be able to give readers a glimpse of his childhood

Christmases in a typical Maltese village where traditions were still alive and an integral part

of this time of the year. Among the Maltese traditions so carefully described in his novels,

Dalli includes the procession with the Baby Jesus and the traditions tied to it.They also

features a number of different illustrations by J.L.Mallia. The cover was designed by Fiona

Vella and Carmen Dalli.

Roberta Pace, Administrator at Vodafone Malta Foundation said that they were very happy to

back such a valid cause. She said, “The Vodafone Malta Foundation believes in worthy

projects and this one in particular deserved our support. It has made a dream come true for an

author who, in true Christmas spirit, has very altruistically donated all his income towards

needy children”.

CLIENT: VODAFONE CSR DIRECT MEDIUM: MALTATODAY.COM DATE: 18 DECEMBER 2012

CLIENT: VODAFONE DIRECT MEDIUM: TIMESOFMALTA.COM DATE: 16 DECEMBER 2012

Sunday, December 16, 2012

McLaren Mercedes on show at Paqpaqli għall-Istrina

President George Abela and BoV CEO Charles Borg (right) admiring the McLaren Mercedes up close.

President George Abela and Bank of Valletta chief executive officer Charles Borg were among the few who got to pose with the McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 car during last Sunday’s Paqpaqli għall-Istrina. The car was driven by 2008 Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, brought over to Malta by Vodafone, in collaboration with Mercedes, The Times and The Sunday Times.

BoV, as one of the main sponsors of Paqpaqli’s seventh edition, hosted its own stand during the event, which attracted thousands of motoring enthusiasts in spite of the inclement weather.

Mr Borg was also among those who swarmed round the Ferrari 12, which was sheltered inside the Lufthansa hangar. The area around Lufthansa Technik hosted a display of over 1,000 vehicles, ranging from Chevrolets to Fast and Furious-style street racers and a number of That ’70s Show Volkswagen vans.

Paqpaqli għall-Istrina is the biggest annual motoring event in Malta organised by the Malta Community Chest Fund in collaboration with Tonio Darmanin and a number of volunteers, all working towards the main aim of raising funds for L-Istrina.

CLIENT: VODAFONE DIRECT MEDIUM: INDEPENDENT.COM.MT DATE: 18 DECEMBER 2012

Lucky

about 21 hours ago - Tuesday, 18 December 2012, 18:19

Vodafone employees were among the lucky few who got to pose with the 2011 edition of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-26 when in Malta. The car was accompanying Lewis Hamilton prior to the PaqPaqli ghall-Istrina event held on December 9. The car was present during a networking event organized by Kinds Auto Sales Ltd. Kinds Auto Sales Ltd, importers of Mercedes-Benz as one of the main partners of Vodafone’s Raise Your Game Initiative, hosted this networking event on December 6th at the their showroom in Lija.

CLIENT: VODAFONE CSR DIRECT MEDIUM: GOZONEWS.COM DATE: 19 DECEMBER 2012

Vodafone Malta sponsors a collection of Christmas stories

Published on Wednesday, 19, December, 2012 at 7:30 in Malta News | No Comments

‘Meta l-Ponsjetta tibda thammar’ is the title of a collection of Christmas stories written by Loreto J.Dalli sponsored by

Vodafone Malta Foundation. All the revenue from this new publication, which was launched in November, will go

towards the children at Dar Piccola Casa di San Giuseppe in Valletta and to secondary school students in needy

families.

Throughout the years Loreto J. Dalli wrote a number of novels with Christmas as the main theme. These were then

published in a leading newspaper during the Christmas season. “I have always dreamt of one day publishing these

CLIENT: VODAFONE CSR DIRECT MEDIUM: GOZONEWS.COM DATE: 19 DECEMBER 2012

novels, and this year, thanks to Vodafone Malta Foundation together with Malta International Airport, I succeeded in

collecting them all in one volume,” said Loreto J.Dalli. “However, for me, the most important thing about this is that

all revenue generated from the sales of this book will go towards those who are really in need.”

Dalli’s novels have always been set in a Maltese environment in different periods. The book includes ten stories each

with a different theme featuring love and friendship. His aim was that through his stories he would be able to give

readers a glimpse of his childhood Christmases in a typical Maltese village where traditions were still alive and an

integral part of this time of the year.

Among the Maltese traditions so carefully described in his novels, Dalli includes the procession with the Baby Jesus

and the traditions tied to it.They also features a number of different illustrations by J.L.Mallia. The cover was designed

by Fiona Vella and Carmen Dalli.

Roberta Pace, Administrator at Vodafone Malta Foundation said that they were very happy to back such a valid cause.

She said, “The Vodafone Malta Foundation believes in worthy projects and this one in particular deserved our support.

It has made a dream come true for an author who, in true Christmas spirit, has very altruistically donated all his income

towards needy children.”

CLIENT: VODAFONE CSR DIRECT MEDIUM: DI-VE.COM DATE: 18 DECEMBER 2012

Vodafone sponsors Xmas stories Article By: di-ve.com news

editorial@di-ve.com

“Meta l-Ponsjetta tibda tħammar” is the title of a collection of Christmas stories written by

Loreto J.Dalli and sponsored by Vodafone Malta Foundation with all revenue going towards

the children at Dar Piccola Casa di San Giuseppe in Valletta and to secondary school students

in needy families.

Throughout the years Loreto J. Dalli wrote a number of novels with Christmas as the main

theme. “I have always dreamt of one day publishing these novels, and this year, thanks to

Vodafone Malta Foundation together with Malta International Airport, I succeeded in

collecting them all in one volume,” he said.

The book includes ten stories each with a different theme featuring love and friendship with

all stories set in a Maltese environment in different periods. Among the Maltese traditions

described in his novels, Dalli includes the procession with the Baby Jesus and the traditions

tied to it.They also features a number of different illustrations by J.L.Mallia and the cover was

designed by Fiona Vella and Carmen Dalli.

Vodafone Malta Foundation Administrator Roberta Pace, said that the Vodafone Malta

Foundation believes in worthy projects and this one has made a dream come true for an author

who, in true Christmas spirit, has very altruistically donated all his income towards needy

children.

CLIENT: VODAFONE DIRECT MEDIUM: JOSANNECASSAR.COM DATE: 19 DECEMBER 2012

Vodafone employees pose with McLaren

Mercedes

Vodafone employees were among the lucky few who got to pose with the 2011 edition of the

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-26 when in Malta. The car was accompanying Lewis

Hamilton prior to the PaqPaqli ghall-Istrina event held on December 9. The car was present

during a networking event organized by Kinds Auto Sales Ltd. Kinds Auto Sales Ltd,

importers of Mercedes-Benz as one of the main partners of Vodafone’s Raise Your Game

Initiative, hosted this networking event at the their showroom in Lija.

Other stories in the news

CLIENT: GO DIRECT MEDIUM: DI-VE.COM DATE: 18 DECEMBER 2012

A Christmas present from Go Article By: di-ve.com news

editorial@di-ve.com

GO Stars, Fox, FoxLife and Food Network will be offered to all Go's Residential and

Business TV customers from December 16 until January 2.

Customers of Go's pay monthly mobile plans will reveive a special gift. For more information

visit www.go.com.mt/programguide.

CLIENT: MELITA DIRECT MEDIUM: INDEPENDENT.COM DATE: 18 DECEMBER 2012

Melita Internet wins 88% of market subscriber growth Tuesday, 18 December 2012, 12:51

The latest telecommunications report by the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) for the third quarter of this year shows that Melita has continued its positive growth trend.

Melita’s broadband internet subscriber base grew by almost 12% over the previous year. More significantly, 88% of all growth in the Internet market during the same period went to Melita. Melita is the only internet provider which offers speeds of up to 100 Megabits nationwide without the need for complex installations.

“Melita has invested significantly in its local network as well its international connection to the Internet with the objective of delivering fast and reliable speeds nationwide. These investments are felt by our customers and it is resulting in positive take-up of our products. The results are also showing international speed and quality tests which regularly confirm Melita as the fastest and most reliable internet service provider in Malta”, commented Melita’s CEO, Andrei Torriani.

Just a few weeks ago Melita announced it upgraded its Fibre Power broadband customers to 30 Megabit and 60 Megabit for free. This upgrade followed another upgraded which was done earlier this year placing most of its clients on packages of up to 15 Megabit per second. These upgrades follow on the back of an investment by Melita which connects the company to one of only six Tier 1 internet providers in the world - “Level 3” – through a direct link between Malta and Milan.

The same MCA report shows that Melita Mobile registered a significant 30% growth over the same period last year. With over 65,000 subscribers, Melita Mobile now accounts for 11.8% of the market subscribers. More importantly Melita Mobile subscribers tend to call more and talk longer due to the affordable rates including free calls to other Melita clients. As a result Melita Mobile now accounts for 22% of all mobile call time in Malta.

“Our commitment to offer affordable mobile telephony rates has been clear and consistent since launch. This is recognised by our customers who are growing in numbers each day and switching from other operators to benefit from the great value offered by our plans. We have also invested significantly in the quality of our network based on customer feedback. Our investment plan continues throughout 2013 to ensure that we deliver an experience at par or better than what our competitors offer”, added Mr Torriani.

CLIENT: MELITA DIRECT MEDIUM: INDEPENDENT.COM DATE: 18 DECEMBER 2012

In fixed telephony business, while the overall market performance showed a declining subscriber base, Melita has actually increased subscribers by almost 11% over the previous year. Customers are opting to switch to a more affordable solution offered by Melita with tariff plans offering free calls to all networks at a fixed monthly price.

Melita has defended its position in the TV market, remaining stable in both subscribers and market share. In the same period more customers have opted to switch to the digital or high definition platform.

“Overall this has been a very good quarter and year for Melita. This is the result of significant investment and support from our shareholders but most importantly the dedication and commitment of all our team members. We have a clear and consistent strategy of delivering more value to our customers. 2013 will see us build further in this direction”, concluded Mr Torriani.

CLIENT: MELITA DIRECT MEDIUM: MALTATODAY PORTAL DATE: 18 DECEMBER 2012

National Tuesday 18 December 2012 - 12:32

Melita Internet wins 88% of market subscriber growth The latest telecommunications report by the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) for the third quarter of this year shows that Melita has continued its positive growth trend.

in the Internet market during the same period went to Melita. Melita is the only internet provider

which offers speeds of up to 100 Megabits nationwide without the need for complex installations.

"Melita has invested significantly in its local network as well its international connection to the

Internet with the objective of delivering fast and reliable speeds nationwide. These investments are felt

by our customers and it is resulting in positive take-up of our products. The results are also showing

international speed and quality tests which regularly confirm Melita as the fastest and most reliable

internet service provider in Malta," said Melita's CEO, Andrei Torriani.

Just a few weeks ago Melita announced it upgraded its Fibre Power broadband customers to 30

Megabit and 60 Megabit for free. This upgrade followed another upgraded which was done earlier this

year placing most of its clients on packages of up to 15 Megabit per second. These upgrades follow on

the back of an investment by Melita which connects the company to one of only six Tier 1 internet

providers in the world - "Level 3" - through a direct link between Malta and Milan.

The same MCA report shows that Melita Mobile registered a significant 30% growth over the same

period last year. With over 65,000 subscribers, Melita Mobile now accounts for 11.8% of the market

subscribers. More importantly Melita Mobile subscribers tend to call more and talk longer due to the

affordable rates including free calls to other Melita clients. As a result Melita Mobile now accounts for

22% of all mobile call time in Malta.

"Our commitment to offer affordable mobile telephony rates has been clear and consistent since

launch. This is recognised by our customers who are growing in numbers each day and switching from

other operators to benefit from the great value offered by our plans. We have also invested significantly

in the quality of our network based on customer feedback. Our investment plan continues throughout

2013 to ensure that we deliver an experience at par or better than what our competitors offer," Torriani

said.

CLIENT: MELITA DIRECT MEDIUM: MALTATODAY PORTAL DATE: 18 DECEMBER 2012

In fixed telephony business, while the overall market performance showed a declining subscriber base,

Melita has actually increased subscribers by almost 11% over the previous year. Customers are opting

to switch to a more affordable solution offered by Melita with tariff plans offering free calls to all

networks at a fixed monthly price.

Melita has defended its position in the TV market, remaining stable in both subscribers and market

share. In the same period more customers have opted to switch to the digital or high definition

platform.

"Overall this has been a very good quarter and year for Melita. This is the result of significant

investment and support from our shareholders but most importantly the dedication and commitment

of all our team members. We have a clear and consistent strategy of delivering more value to our

customers. 2013 will see us build further in this direction," Torriani said.

CLIENT: MELITA DIRECT MEDIUM: TIMESOFMALTA.COM DATE: 18 DECEMBER 2012

Tuesday, December 18, 2012, 11:55

Melita celebrates success

Melita plc said today that the latest telecommunications report by the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) for the third quarter of this year shows that its broadband internet subscriber base grew by almost 12% over the previous year. More significantly, 88% of all growth in the Internet market during the same period went to Melita.

Melita is the only internet provider which offers speeds of up to 100 Megabits nationwide without the need for complex installations.

“Melita has invested significantly in its local network as well its international connection to the Internet with the objective of delivering fast and reliable speeds nationwide. These investments are felt by our customers and it is resulting in positive take-up of our products. The results are also showing international speed and quality tests which regularly confirm Melita as the fastest and most reliable internet service provider in Malta”, commented Melita’s CEO, Andrei Torriani.

A few weeks ago Melita announced that it had upgraded its Fibre Power broadband customers to 30 Megabit and 60 Megabit for free. This upgrade followed another upgraded which was done earlier this year placing most of its clients on packages of up to 15 Megabit per second. These upgrades follow on the back of an investment by Melita which connects the company to one of only six Tier 1 internet providers in the world - “Level 3” – through a direct link between Malta and Milan.

Melita noted that the same MCA report shows that Melita Mobile registered 30% growth over the same period last year. With over 65,000 subscribers, Melita Mobile now accounts for 11.8% of the market subscribers.

“Our commitment to offer affordable mobile telephony rates has been clear and consistent since launch. This is recognised by our customers who are growing in numbers each day and switching from other operators to benefit from the great value offered by our plans. We have also invested significantly in the quality of our network based on customer feedback. Our investment plan continues throughout 2013 to ensure that we deliver an experience at par or better than what our competitors offer”, added Mr Torriani.

In fixed telephony business, while the overall market performance showed a declining subscriber base, Melita has increased subscribers by almost 11% over the previous year.

Melita has defended its position in the TV market, remaining stable in both subscribers and market share. In the same period more customers have opted to switch to the digital or high definition platform.

“Overall this has been a very good quarter and year for Melita. This is the result of significant investment and support from our shareholders but most importantly the dedication and commitment of all our team members. We have a clear and consistent strategy of delivering more value to our customers. 2013 will see us build further in this direction”, concluded Mr Torriani.

CLIENT: MELITA DIRECT MEDIUM: DI-VE.COM DATE: 14 DECEMBER 2012

Melita offers free channels Article By: di-ve.com news

editorial@di-ve.com

Melita is giving free access to its successful US hit series channel “Melita More” along with

two Sony Pictures Television channels to all its Digital and HD customers until Sunday 16th

December

Sony Entertainment Television (Melita Channel 802) offers engaging comedies and dramas

and compelling movies aimed primarily at a female audience and their partners. Sony Movie

Channel (Melita Channel 805) is a new contemporary library movie channel, offering films

from the 80s, 90s and 00s. Amongst the great TV series available on Sony Entertainment

Television we find titles such as Spooks, Hot in Cleveland and Will & Grace, while during

this weekend Sony Movie Channel will be airing classic blockbusters including Matilda,

Christmas On Division Street, Universal Soldier: The Return, On Strike For Christmas and

Gloria.

Melita More (Channel 801 and Channel 800 in High Definition) is packed with international

US hit TV series airing soon after US release, including titles like Fringe, The Mentalist,

Suits, How I met your mother, Game of Thrones and Gossip Girl. The channel is also full of

recent classics such as Private Practice, Grey’s anatomy and Supernatural and Jeremy

Clarkson and his team in season 16 of Top Gear.

All these channels are normally available only to the “Plus” package subscribers but can be

kept after Sunday December 16 by calling Melita on 2727 9977

CLIENT: MELITA DIRECT MEDIUM: INDEPENDENT.COM DATE: 14 DECEMBER 2012

Free viewing of exclusive Melita channels until Sunday

Friday, 14 December 2012, 15:37

Until Sunday 16 December Melita is giving free access to its successful US hit series channel “Melita More” along with two Sony Pictures Television channels to all its Digital and HD customers.

Sony Entertainment Television (Melita Channel 802) offers quality entertainment from engaging comedies and dramas to compelling movies aimed primarily at a female audience and their partners. Sony Movie Channel (Melita Channel 805) is a new contemporary library movie channel, offering films from the 80s, 90s and 00s. Amongst the great TV series available on Sony Entertainment Television we find titles such as Spooks, Hot in Cleveland and Will & Grace, while during this weekend Sony Movie Channel will be airing classic blockbusters including Matilda, Christmas On Division Street, Universal Soldier: The Return, On Strike For Christmas and Gloria.

Melita More (Channel 801 and Channel 800 in High Definition) is packed all day long with international US hit TV series airing soon after US release. Amongst these we find great titles such as Fringe, The Mentalist, Suits, How I met your mother, Game of Thrones and Gossip Girl. The channel is also full of recent classics such as Private Practice, Grey’s anatomy and Supernatural.

If you’re an automotive fanatic make sure you don’t miss Jeremy Clarkson and his team in season 16 of Top Gear.

CLIENT: MELITA DIRECT MEDIUM: INDEPENDENT.COM DATE: 14 DECEMBER 2012

All these channels are normally available only to the “Plus” package subscribers. Should you wish to keep these channels after Sunday simply call Melita on 2727 9977 and for one-time payment of just €30 you get four whole months of great TV entertainment.

For more information and a full program schedule visit www.melita.com

The channels will remain accessible to all customers until Monday 17th December at 7am

CLIENT: MELITA ANTI MEDIUM: TIMESOFMALTA.COM DATE: 17 DECEMBER 2012

Monday, December 17, 2012 by

Maria Portelli, San Ġwann

Cable TV channels

I refer to Nathanael Grasso’s letter about Melita Digital stopping certain channels (December 14). In fact, they even stopped Rai Storia without informing clients. I still pay for these channels and no credit is given.

CLIENT: MELITA DIRECT MEDIUM: DI-VE.COM DATE: 18 DECEMBER 2012

Melita sees rise in broadband subscribers Article By: di-ve.com news

editorial@di-ve.com

Melita’s broadband internet subscriber base grew by almost 12% over the previous year. 88%

of all growth in the Internet market during the same period went to Melita.

A few weeks ago, Melita announced that it upgraded its Fibre Power broadband customers to

30 Megabit and 60 Megabit for free. These upgrades follow on the back of an investment by

Melita which connects the company to one of only six Tier 1 internet providers in the world -

“Level 3” – through a direct link between Malta and Milan.

CLIENT: MELITA DIRECT MEDIUM: TIMESOFMALTA.COM DATE: 14 DECEMBER 2012

Friday, December 14, 2012, 14:42

Melita gives free access to three channels for the weekend

Melita is this weekend giving digital and HD customers free access to its US hit series channel Melita More, Sony Pictures Television and Sony Movies.

The channels are normally available only to the “Plus” package subscribers.

They will be available free of charge until Sunday.

CLIENT: MELITA CSR DIRECT MEDIUM: DI-VE.COM DATE: 19 DECEMBER 2012

Melita supports YMCA Homeless Article By: di-ve.com news

editorial@di-ve.com

Melita is this Christmas supporting YMCA Homeless with free internet and television

services at the various shelters and by assisting in the collection of food from Melita outlets

across Malta and Gozo.

The company has set up dedicated collection boxes at each of its outlets for anyone who wish

to donate preserved foods and will match donations made by the public to YMCA Homeless

via SMS up to a value of €10,000.

Donations of €4.66 can be made by sending an SMS on 50618088 and on 50619212 to donate

€11.65.

More information on how to support YMCA can be found on www.melita.com

CLIENT: HSBC CSR MEDIUM: DI-VE.COM DATE: 12 DECEMBER 2012

HSBC employees donate blood Article By:

di-ve.com news

editorial@di-ve.com

Around 50 HSBC empolyees participate in a blood donation initiative, as part of this year’s

Team Building activities.

Head of Audit & Compliance John Sammut, said that “building a strong and united team is

beneficial to any organisation and if in the process, one can help others in their community;

then this in turn is considered a valuable quality.”

HSBC Malta Manager for Public Affairs Sergio Bellizzi stated that, “the blood we donate can

save lives. This is a very powerful thought and we hope that such initiatives help raise

awareness and attract more people to follow suit in such a worthy cause.”

CLIENT: HSBC CSR MEDIUM: INDEPENDENT.COM DATE: 18 DECEMBER 2012

HSBC Malta employees in blood drive initiative

Tuesday, 18 December 2012, 12:49

Around fifty HSBC empolyees helped organise and participate in a blood drive initiative, as part of this year’s Team Building activities.

“Building a strong and united team is beneficial to any organisation and if in the process, one can help others in their community; then this in turn is considered a valuable quality,” said John Sammut, Head of Audit & Compliance. Before donating blood, the team followed informative talks, held at the Bank’s offices, by Anthony Micallef, Staff Nurse at the National Blood Transfusion Service.

“The blood we donate can save lives. This is a very powerful thought and we hope that such initiatives help raise awareness and attract more people to follow suit in such a worthy cause,” said Sergio Bellizzi, HSBC Malta Manager for Public Affairs.

All participating HSBC employees were thanked by the Malta National Blood Transfusion Centre for their dedicated and kind service.

CLIENT: BOV CSR MEDIUM: TIMESOFMALTA.COM

DATE: 16 DECEMBER 2012

Sunday, December 16, 2012

McLaren Mercedes on show at Paqpaqli għall-Istrina

President George Abela and BoV CEO Charles Borg (right) admiring the McLaren Mercedes up close.

President George Abela and Bank of Valletta chief executive officer Charles Borg were among the few who got to pose with the McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 car during last Sunday’s Paqpaqli għall-Istrina. The car was driven by 2008 Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, brought over to Malta by Vodafone, in collaboration with Mercedes, The Times and The Sunday Times.

BoV, as one of the main sponsors of Paqpaqli’s seventh edition, hosted its own stand during the event, which attracted thousands of motoring enthusiasts in spite of the inclement weather.

Mr Borg was also among those who swarmed round the Ferrari 12, which was sheltered inside the Lufthansa hangar. The area around Lufthansa Technik hosted a display of over 1,000 vehicles, ranging from Chevrolets to Fast and Furious-style street racers and a number of That ’70s Show Volkswagen vans.

Paqpaqli għall-Istrina is the biggest annual motoring event in Malta organised by the Malta Community Chest Fund in collaboration with Tonio Darmanin and a number of volunteers, all working towards the main aim of raising funds for L-Istrina.

CLIENT: BOV CSR MEDIUM: TIMESOFMALTA.COM DATE: 16 DECEMBER 2012

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Piggy banks collected for counting

The President’s wife Margaret Abela with Marion Falzon Ghio, acting head of Cospicua Primary School (left),

Maria McNamara, St Margaret’s College principal, Jonathan Stivala and Chersley Zammit.

First Lady Margaret Abela is visiting a number of schools around Malta and Gozo, collecting some of the more than 5,000 piggy banks distributed to classrooms last October.

Last year, L-Istrina BoV Piggy Bank Campaign contributed over €115,000 to the Malta Community Chest Fund.

This year, BoV has pledged to match the amount collected from schools, which will then be presented during L-Istrina on Boxing Day.

Bank of Valletta supports L-Istrina mill-Qalb 2012 as part of its extensive community relations programme. Apart from the BoV Piggy Bank Campaign, the bank also supports Paqpaqli għall-Istrina, Rockestra, the August Moon Ball and Tisjir mill-Qalb, as well as encouraging staff members to take part in the President’s Fun Run by contributing half the registration fee.

This year, a record 880 BoV employees, family members and friends walked or ran in the event.

CLIENT: BOV CSR MEDIUM: TIMESOFMALTA.COM DATE: 17 DECEMBER 2012

Monday, December 17, 2012

Piggy banks being collected for counting

The President’s wife, Margaret Abela, is visiting schools to collect about 5,000 piggy banks distributed last October.

Tonnes of coins and paper money are now being taken for sorting and counting by Bank of Valletta, a mammoth task that will take several days.

L-Istrina BOV Piggy Bank campaign last year raised more than €115,000 for the Malta Community Chest Fund.

This year, Bank of Valletta has pledged to match the amount collected from the schools, which will then be presented during L-Istrina on Boxing Day.

CLIENT: BANK OF VALLETTA CSR MEDIUM: GOZONEWS.COM DATE: 17 DECEMBER 2012

Bank of Valletta has planted 110 trees at Majjistral Park

Posted By Gozo News On December 17, 2012 @ 3:40 pm In Malta News | No Comments

Bank of Valletta planted 110 trees at Majjistral Park representing a tree for every million in it’s record profit of €110.7 million for the financial year ended September 2012. This is 72% above the

€64.4 million figure reported FY2011.

For the first time, the Bank said, its balance sheet exceeded the €7 billion mark, a significant

achievement and an important milestone both for BOV and for Malta. The Board of Directors recommended a final gross dividend to shareholders of €0.13 per share which, taken together with the gross interim dividend of €0.06 per share paid earlier in the year, makes for a total gross dividend of €0.19 per share for FY 2012

For the event, the Bank’s Chief Executive Officer Charles Borg, was accompanied by the Bank’s green leaders who were dressed in green T-shirts and caps. Commenting on the Bank’s go green

initiatives, Mr. Borg said, “With such a drive, propagating the green culture within Bank of Valletta has shown a significant shift on the staff’s mindset to promote and support the Bank’s vision and diverse portfolio. The activities take into account the environmental and social responsibility with the aim to reduce the harmful effects and carbon footprint in the environment.

“Our Bank is today synonymous with the largest Corporate Social Responsibility Programme in

Malta having the Environment as its most high profile area. The case for environmental good practice is, ultimately, one for business efficiency and today, financial services brands are taking up the green agenda in a big way, seeking to incorporate environmental responsibility into their operations, both directly and indirectly.

“Tree-planting is important to effectively change our environment to a better place as it helps reduce some of the carbon emissions. BOV views climate change as a serious issue and remains committed to raising awareness. It is encouraging to see the Green ambassadors promote an environmentally-friendly culture and participate in such activities, Mr Borg concluded.”

CLIENT: BOV CSR MEDIUM: INDEPENDENT.COM.MT DATE: 18 DECEMBER 2012

Planting more trees

Tuesday, 18 December 2012, 18:28

Bank of Valletta planted 110 trees at Majjistral Park representing a tree for every million in its record profit of €110.7 million for the financial year ended September 2012.

“The Bank wanted to create a visual representation of this impressive amount, which is 72% above the €64.4 million figure reported FY2011. We like the symbolism of planting something that will be there for years to come, as after all this is what our profits represent.

“Those trees represent the families we helped with home loans, the businesses that we helped to grow, the entrepreneurs that we believed in... Bank of Valletta is an important factor in the Maltese economy because of the credit that we make available, the opportunities that we give to those who wish to save or invest, the dividends that we give our shareholders, the millions in tax that we pay the government and the 1,600 households that we sustain through our employees,” Chief Executive Officer Charles Borg.

“We hope that this tree-planting can become an annual event, linking our performance to the creation of a lasting afforestation project.” said Kenneth Micallef, Head of the CEO’s Office who led the BOV Green Leaders Group in the tree planting event. He continued by explaining a number of green initiatives undertaken recently by the Bank with the aim of reducing its own carbon footprint, as well as supporting Nature Trust, which is one of the NGOs involved with the Majjistral Park.

CLIENT: BOV CSR MEDIUM: DI-VE.COM DATE: 18 DECEMBER 2012

BOV's €110.7 million equal 110 trees Article By: di-ve.com news

editorial@di-ve.com

Bank of Valletta planted 110 trees at Majjistral Park representing a tree for every million

recorded in profit for the financial year ending September 2012, which amounted to €110.7

million.

BOV Chief Executive Officer Charles Borg held that, “The Bank wanted to create a visual

representation of this impressive amount, which is 72% above the €64.4 million figure

reported FY2011. We like the symbolism of planting something that will be there for years to

come, as after all this is what our profits represent.”

“Bank of Valletta is an important factor in the Maltese economy because of the credit that we

make available, the opportunities that we give to those who wish to save or invest, the

dividends that we give our shareholders, the millions in tax that we pay the government and

the 1,600 households that we sustain through our employees,” the CEO concluded.

Head of the CEO’s Office who led the BOV Green Leaders Group in the tree planting event

Kenneth Micallef hopes that the tree-planting event becomes an annual event, linking the

bank’s performance to the creation of a lasting afforestation project. The Bank is undertaking

a number of green initiatives with the aim of reducing its own carbon footprint, as well as

supporting Nature Trust, which is one of the NGOs involved with the Majjistral Park.