Malta is expected to climb to fifth place among European countries when it comes to the number of families who have broadband at home following the Blueskies initiative, the IT Ministry said.

Close to 6,400 families applied for Blueskies, which offered cheap broadband to those who did not already have it. This should see the percentage of homes which have broadband jump by four per cent to 60 per cent.

The ministry said this will see Malta jump from the ninth to the fifth place among European countries, surpassing the UK, Germany, Italy, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Internet service providers are verifying the eligibility of the families and in the coming days vouchers will be sent to those entitled to receive the service, who will then decide their preferred provider.

It is estimated that some 14,000 people will start using broadband in their home for the first time. IT Minister Austin Gatt said these people have given an answer to the sceptics who called this initiative a gimmick, but in reality attracted the interest of thousands of people.

The highest number of applications came from households in St Paul's Bay, Birkirkara, Mosta and Sliema.