My internet is slower than promised: what can I do in Malta?
If your internet performance is significantly and continuously or frequently below what your contract states, you can seek remedies, including ending the contract free of cost and any compensation or refunds set out in your contract.
Your contract states the speeds your provider promises. If the real speed falls clearly and repeatedly below them, you may be able to pay less or end the contract. A measurement with the official tool, where there is one, is the strongest proof.
📜 The rules in Malta
What you can do
Report it to your provider with your test results. If the speed stays well below the contract, you can end the contract free of cost and claim any compensation or refunds it provides; if it is not resolved, complain to the MCA.
The details
- Internet providers must publish the typical speed range of each fixed internet package and the estimated maximum speed of mobile packages, together with the remedies if performance falls short of the contract. (mca.org.mt)
- The MCA advises testing your speed several times over a cable connected to the modem, with Wi-Fi off and on different devices. If you get less than the typical speed range in your contract, contact your provider. (mca.org.mt)
- Under EU rules, a fixed internet contract must explain the minimum, normally available, maximum and advertised download and upload speeds. (publications.europa.eu)
- If your provider does not solve the problem, you can refer your complaint to the MCA, which follows the matter up with the provider until remedial action is taken. (mca.org.mt)
Malta Communications Authority (MCA)
Takes your complaint about a phone, internet or TV provider once you have complained to the provider first. It intervenes where a rule it enforces was broken; otherwise it mediates or refers you to the right forum.
🪜 Step by step
- Find the promised speedsYour contract summary lists the speeds, often as a maximum, a normally available and a minimum speed.
- Measure properlyUse a cable instead of Wi‑Fi, close other devices and measure several times on different days, with the official tool if there is one.
- Report it to the providerSend the results, ask for the problem to be fixed and keep a copy of everything you send and receive.
- Use your rightsIf nothing improves, ask for a lower price or to end the contract, and go to the dispute body if the provider refuses.
📇 Who to contact
Sponsor this page → One labelled block, €100 a month. Founding price €75 until 31 January 2027.
❓ Questions
Does a quick speed test in an app count?
It helps you spot a problem. As proof, a measurement made the way the regulator or your contract describes carries much more weight.
Does this apply to mobile internet too?
Mobile speeds change with place and network load, and the rules for mobile are often different. See the rules for Malta on this page.
Is slow Wi‑Fi the provider’s fault?
Not always. Walls, distance and old devices slow Wi‑Fi down. Measure with a cable first.
📎 Sources
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