The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) is trying to find a way for consumers to get their telecommunicatons bills free of charge – even if they don’t have internet.

At present, the majority of service providers allow post-paid subscribers to access their bills electronically through the internet. However, the rest are being charged a small fee to receive their bills in hard copy format.

“While the MCA appreciates that e-billing is beneficial from a cost and an environmental perspective, it is also aware that a number of subscribers may not have access to the internet,” it said.

The MCA has now published a consultative document to seek the public’s views on a number of measures it is proposing in this regard.

The MCA is proposing to replace the current decision entitled ‘Itemised Billing’ with a new decision which would include all different types of bills as one consolidated document. Post-paid ECS subscribers would be entitled to receive standard bills, and in the case of telephony they would also be entitled to a detailed and/or basic itemised bill free of charge, either through e-billing or by means of a hard copy where it results that they do not have access to the internet. Pre-paid telephony subscribers shall be provided with the possibility to view a copy of their detailed usage report at a provider outlet.

The consultation document can be accessed through the following link http://www.mca.org.mt/consumer/consultations/standard-and-itemised-billing . Comments may be sent to cer.mca@mca.org.mt or by post to Chief of External Relations, Malta Communications Authority, Valletta Waterfront, Pinto Wharf Floriana, FRN1913 Malta by not later than noon of October 23.