A letter I received from Melita Cable informed me that as from February 1, the price of my internet subscription is to go up to €19.99 a month from €13.85.
This represents an increase of more than 40 per cent.
Melita is sugar-coating this by stating that I will be enjoying a faster internet service. However, I do not need a faster internet service and I would like to keep my current price plan, but Melita says I cannot do that.
This increase is ridiculous; international data bandwidth packet prices are going down all around the world, yet in Malta, Melita feels it can increase its prices. I cannot believe that the Malta Communications Authority will remain passive and not take a position on this.
Melita can offer a faster internet service at a higher price for anyone who is interested, but I believe that it should not be allowed to discontinue the standard service at the usual price and force the added cost on everyone.
I understand that Melita is a private company and can choose what prices to charge; however some form of regulation would be in order.
It’s time for the authorities to wake up.