In recent years, we have witnessed a boom in competition, and a general drop in prices specifically where mobile telephony is concerned. Unfortunately, this has brought with it the most harsh and aggressive kind of marketing this island has possibly ever seen.

Like many other readers, I’m faced with a continuous bombardment by representatives of the three major operators wherever I go; be it Valletta, a fair, an event... you name it and the representatives will be there.

This morning, the proverbial last straw that actually inspired me to write this letter occurred. While heading up to a supermarket, armed with a trolley and confined in an elevator, as soon as the doors opened, the last thing I expected was to find a young man wearing a company hat and a polo shirt and armed with a clipboard blocking our way and asking us with which operator we were subscribed. Knowing the drill by heart, we simply replied: “Not interested” but, surely enough, he kept insisting and persisting until it was obvious I was becoming irritated.

Now my question is the following: What is legal? When does it become harassment? And what rights do I have to be left in peace and quiet?

I can surely make up my mind on my own which operator to pick and, frankly, the barrage of adverts do not make the task rocket science. So please leave us alone, stand in a corner and let us undecided customers approach you if need be and let us enjoy our festas, shopping or whatever we might be doing in peace and quiet.