3GPP RAN WGs February 2016 Malta The European Friends of 3GPP Alcatel-Lucent, Apple, BlackBerry, Ericsson, Huawei, Intel, KPN, Motorola, Nokia, Orange, Qualcomm, SIM Alliance, Sony, TIM, Telefonica, Telenor, TeliaSonera, T-Mobile, Vodafone have the pleasure of welcoming you to 3GPP RAN WGs.

Welcome to Malta EF3 extends a warm welcome to Malta. From its North African and Arabic influences (listen carefully to the local language) to the Sicilian-inspired cuisine, Malta is a microcosm of the Mediterranean. Few European countries have such concentrated history, architecture and, yes, beaches in so tiny an area

Malta History Malta’s oldest monuments are the mysterious megalithic temples at Ġgantija near Xagħram on Gozo, and Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra on the southwest coast of the main island. Built between 3800 and 2500 BC, they’re the world’s oldest surviving freestanding structures. From around 800 to 218 BC, Malta was colonised by the Phoenicians and Carthaginians, and then became part of the Roman Empire. In AD 60 St Paul was shipwrecked on the island, where (according to folklore) he converted the islanders to Christianity. Arabs arrived in 870 and had a considerable influence on agriculture and language. Afterwards came a succession of Normans, Angevins (French), Aragonese and Castilians (Spanish). In 1530 the islands were given to the Knights of the Order of St John, a religious crusader organisation founded in Jerusalem. The Knights expelled invading Turks in 1565 and were considered ‘saviours of Europe’. Soon afterward, though, the order declined and surrendered to Napoleon in 1798 without a fight. The British helped liberate the island in 1800 and began to develop Malta into a major naval base. The new member of the British Empire suffered greatly from WWII bombing. In 1947 the devastated island was given a measure of self-government. The country gained independence in 1964, and became a republic in In 2004 Malta joined the EU, and plans to introduce the euro as its currency in January 2008.

Famous Prague People. Bryan AdamsBryan Adams (born 1959) - singer, of Maltese descent Britney SpearsBritney Spears (born 1981) - singer, of Maltese descent

Malta – some places to see Valletta It’s a joy to explore the pint-sized capital, chock-full of historical and architectural gems Sliema, St Julian’s & Paceville The place in Malta to promenade, eat, drink, shop and play Vittoriosa An intriguing mix of old and new, with quirky wine bars and atmospheric alleys to discover Hypogeum This mysterious underground necropolis still has the experts scratching their heads in wonder Marsaxlokk Work up an appetite for fresh local seafood while admiring picture-perfect boats in the harbour

Meeting Information: Intercontinental Hotel 3GPP RAN1 : Maurice de Cesare (Level 1) on Monday and Friday for 300 people and from Tuesday to Thursday for 125 pax in classroom style with a top table for 2 on a stage, 3GPP RAN1 break out: Cettina de Cesare I (Level 2) (from Tuesday to Thursday included) 125 people in classroom style 3GPP RAN1 break out: Saturn (Level 2) (from Tuesday to Thursday included) for 40 people in classroom style 3GPP RAN2: Cettina de Cesare II (Level 2), all week, for 210 people in classroom style 3GPP RAN2 break out: Jupiter (Level 2), all week for 35 people in classroom style 3GPP RAN2 break out: Cettina de Cesare III (Level 2), (from Monday PM to Thursday included) for 80 people classroom style 3GPP RAN3: Palm Suite (Level 7), all, for 100 people in classroom style 3GPP RAN4: Neptune (Level 1), all week, for 200 people in classroom style 3GPP RAN4 break out: Venus (Level 8), all week, for 70 people in classroom

Meeting Information: Westin Hotel 3GPP RAN5: Ballroom (3 rd floor), all week for 100 people in classroom style 3GPP RAN5 break out: Castillian (3 rd floor) for 50 people in classroom style from Monday to Thursday 3GPP GERAN Plenary: Carthaginian (3 rd floor) on Monday AM and Friday for 50 people in classroom style 3GPP GERAN1: Carthaginian (3 rd floor) from Monday PM to Thursday 3GPP GERAN2: Norman (3 rd floor) from Monday PM to Thursday for 25 people in classroom style

Meeting Information: Palace Hotel Mon AM Mon PMTue AMTue PMWed AM Wed PMThu AMThu PMFri AMFri PM Royal Hall Room 1 (RAN1/RAN4)RAN1 RAN4RAN1 State Hall Room 2 (RAN2/RAN4)RAN4 RAN2

Meeting Information IT support on-site: Nicolas Barbance Coffee breaks: 10:30 & 16:30 (all hotels) Your EF3 room rate includes breakfast, internet and VAT. Restaurants within walking distance from the hotel. As always, a satisfaction survey will be sent by EF3 after the meeting to collect your impressions on this venue.

Have a great time in Malta!