The web page of the Malta Communications Authority states: “The MCA is the national regulatory authority of the communications sector in Malta.” Therefore, it is also responsible for the collation, assimilation and publication of a comprehensive telephone directory.

The last telephone directory was issued in 2004, that is, nine years ago.

Many stupid and irrelevant excuses have been brought for this lack of action. These included: waste of paper, privacy and non-compliance by the various service providers.

Surely, the worse waste of paper is the unsolicited mail jamming letter boxes.

The Yellow Pages, issued annually, is well organised and the bulk of the old directories are collected by the publisher.

As to privacy, perhaps the regulator is not aware that anyone can ask for the deletion of all personal information. Many opt for a private number, both on fixed line and mobile.

Non-compliance is the rub. Certain providers are against publication of their subscribers’ names because they are terrified that the competition will use the same unfair tactics as used by them to annoy people.

Some companies want to ‘steal’ from other providers and have been doing their utmost to minimise competition.

If the regulator really is there to provide a level playing field it should ensure that all telephone subscribers (fixed or mobile) are listed in an easily avail-able printed directory.

Cost is another excuse. Again, this is as lame as the proverbial donkey! The MCA can invite publishers to bid and then publish at their own cost.

And, please, no excuse that this is available on internet. Other advanced countries issue regular editions of directories.

So why has the MCA dragged its feet? Who is it helping and abetting with this lack of action?