Fixed internet
There are three major internet providers in Malta: GO , Melita , and Epic .
GO and Melita both offer high speed fiber optic broadband in their packages. Malta has the third-slowest internet service in Europe, so it might be worth it to splurge on your plan. Most plans will require you to sign at least a one-year contract to get the standard monthly fee. Please keep in mind that prices are subject to change. Visit the companies' websites to check the latest information.
Melita has a fixed internet service and a wireless service called Melita Wi-Fi, which is a free service available for Melita customers.
GO has a fully integrated 4G service with speeds of up to 200 Mbps all around the archipelago. GO has a speed checker that will let you know if fiber internet is available in your area. If you see the Home Pack with 1000 Mbps offered, then you are in a fiber area.
Epic offers 4G wireless internet connections for home through a wireless modem. It offers download speeds of up to 30 Mbps and uploads of up to 15 Mbps. It is not available all around the island, so it is important to check whether a specific service is available in your area.
Cost of fixed internet connection in Malta
GO offers free installation with their internet services, and they offer four different options depending on speed, ranging from 35 Mbps to 1000 Mbps. You can check what option is best for you here .
Melita, however, charges a €25 installation fee if you have a 24-month contract and €75 if it is a monthly contract. These fees are standard regardless of the speed you choose. Their prices range from €20 to €40 depending on the pack you choose. You can check their options here .
With Epic, prices start at €30 a month, but they provide the most reliable service in Malta, as well as many package deals. In order to get Epic service, you need to book an appointment here .
Monthly costs range from around €15 per month for the slower plans, to around €100 per month for the fastest connections. The cheaper connections, however, are more than adequate for communicating with your friends and family in other countries, streaming and downloading, and using social media.
How to get internet connection
To get an internet connection installed, the process is similar to getting a phone line, you will need to visit a store of your chosen operator.
To be eligible to have a connection installed you must:
- Be 18 years old or over
- Hold a valid identification (passport or residence card)
- Have proof of residence
- Be the owner of the property or have the landlord’s permission
- Complete the installation documents and sign them
Once you have set up your account with your chosen provider it will take a few days for your installation to take place. Remember that all three companies offer packages that include mobile and television services, so you can solve all your technological needs with one.
Mobile data
The same three companies that offer fixed internet have mobile data plans. In all three, you can choose your data and internet plan together, as most come in package deals. If you frequently use the internet and rely heavily on your phone, Vodafone is your best option, as it has the fastest 4G network. All three providers sell SIM cards at their locations, which you can then top off hassle-free online.
Melita has different prepaid plans , starting at €10. It only runs 3G for prepaid, and the standard rates are €0.24/min (local), €0.05/SMS (local). Prepaid plans come with data bundles that you can choose from depending on your needs. For postpaid or set data plans, Melita does offer 4.5G.
GO offers 4.5G coverage, and their prepaid SIM card costs €15 which already includes 1GB of data and €5 call credit. GO’s standard rates are €0.25/min (local), €0.05/SMS (local) and €0.10/MB data. Data bundles are also available through GO prepaid. They have a variety of mobile plans to fit your specific needs.
Epic has the best coverage on the island, and offers 4.5G coverage at a higher speed than GO. Their prepaid SIM card costs around €10. The standard rates: €0.10/min (local), €0.10/SMS (local) and €0.10/MB data. Epic has many flexible plans to choose from if prepaid is not what you’re looking for.
Where to get free public access
Public Wi-Fi spots are not difficult to come across in Malta, so you are always close to an internet connection if you need it. The Malta Communications Authority have created a map of all the public Wi-Fi hotspots which you can find here .
Alternatively, you can find free Wi-Fi hotspots in most hotels, some restaurants and cafes. English language schools in Malta also tend to have large open Wi-Fi spaces that you may be able to use.