Phone and Internet Providers in Malta

As someone who's made the move to Malta, I know firsthand how crucial it is to stay connected – whether you're working remotely, keeping in touch with family back home, or simply navigating life on the island. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about getting set up with phone and internet services here.

The Big Three: Malta's Main Providers

After living here and talking with other expats, I can tell you there are three main players in Malta's telecom market. Let me share my honest take on each:

GO Mobile: The Reliable Choice

GO Mobile has earned its reputation as one of Malta's most dependable providers. From my experience, they offer:

• Excellent mobile coverage across the island
• Fast fiber optic connections in major cities
• Responsive customer service
• Competitive bundle packages

While they might not always be the cheapest option, the reliability makes them worth considering, especially if you're working from home or need consistent connectivity.

Melita: The Value Provider

Melita is known for offering some of the best deals in Malta. Their standout features include:

• Free WiFi hotspots around the island
• Bundle packages combining internet, phone, and TV
• Generally lower prices than GO
• Good urban coverage

The only catch? Coverage can be spotty in more rural areas, so check the signal strength in your neighborhood before committing.

Epic (Former Vodafone): One to Skip

Epic, while present in the market, generally falls short in both coverage and home internet options. Based on my experience and feedback from other expats, I'd recommend looking at the other two providers instead.

Getting Connected: What You Need to Know

Documentation Requirements

Keep things simple – here's what you'll need to get started:

• Valid ID (passport or residence card)
• Proof of address (rental contract or utility bill usually works)

Contract Considerations

Think about your stay duration:

• Planning to stay 1+ years? Go for a 12-month contract to get better rates
• Shorter stay? Look for no-commitment plans, though they'll cost more
• Pro tip: Most providers allow contract transfers if you need to leave early

Installation Timeline

From my experience:

• 4G connections: Usually same-day activation
• Fiber installation: Expect 3-7 days waiting time
• Remember to ask about equipment rental fees and installation costs

Staying Connected on the Go

European Roaming

Good news for EU residents – your home country plan works here without extra charges (since June 2017). Just watch your data limits, as some carriers have fair usage policies.

Free WiFi Spots

Malta is pretty well-connected when it comes to free WiFi. You'll find reliable connections in:

• Most cafés and restaurants
• Shopping centers
• Valletta and Sliema tourist areas
• The airport
• Many public squares

My Recommendation

If you're settling in Malta long-term, I'd recommend either GO or Melita. GO edges ahead slightly in reliability and speed, while Melita often wins on price. Your choice might come down to:

• Coverage in your specific area
• Budget considerations
• Whether you want additional services like TV packages

In my experience, it's worth visiting both providers' shops to compare current offers, as they frequently run special promotions for new customers.

Last updated: August 2024