Service providers of internet, television, mobile and fixed telephony are now required to inform subscribers about changes to their contract at least one month before these come into effect. The Malta Communications Authority said subscribers must also be informed of their right to end the service without paying any penalty fees during the 30-day notification period should they disagree with the proposed changes.

Subscribers must be notified of any changes through a letter which must be “easily distinguishable from any other communications that may be sent to the subscriber at the same time”. This would allow subscribers to properly look into the proposed changes. The authority’s decision comes almost one month after the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority ordered two television service providers to amend their respective terms and conditions to provide an opt-out in case of a substantial change to their line-up. The decision followed an eight-month investigation into Melita and Go’s removal of Living TV and Comedy Channel. The MCA pointed out that when service providers proposed changes “considered to be manifestly positive”, such as reducing tariffs, for example, these could be introduced with immediate effect.

Service providers are still required to inform subscribers about changes but would not give them an option to terminate the contract.

Subscribers also have to be notified in writing when a package is terminated or a service provider is closing down. They have to be given information on how to switch to an alternative service provider as well as technical support to minimise any service disruptions.