Consumers will be able to switch internet service providers but keep their e-mail address, under new guidelines issued by the Malta Communications Authority.

This is intended to give users the freedom to change their ISP without having to worry about losing contacts as a result of the e-mail address also changing in the process.

In fact, the system follows on the lines implemented for mobile phones a few years ago.

The government intends making e-mail mobility compulsory in the coming months but the communications authority chose to anticipate the law with these guidelines.

It has set up a system that ISPs are urged to adopt to implement e-mail mobility. The service should be offered free of charge to the subscriber for a period of 12 months following the switch from one ISP to another.

ISPs are also obliged to provide the option of the 12-month period being extended indefinitely against payment.

In the event that a subscriber does not choose this option, ISPs are obliged to issue an automated notification message, informing the sender that the recipient has migrated to an alternative e-mail account.

These guidelines are available at www.mca.org.mt.