Malta is one of only seven EU member states not facing infringement procedures as it has managed to put in place, and on time, EU rules giving consumers new rights in the telecommunications sector.

"Malta is an exemplary member state in this area," an EU official told timesofmalta.com this morning.

The EU executive this morning issued letters of formal notice – its first stage of a three-pronged legal procedure – against a total of 20 member states for not putting in place the new rules, which give businesses and consumers new rights regarding phones, mobile services and Internet access.

These include the right for customers to switch telecoms operators in just one day without changing their phone number, the right to more clarity about the services customers are offered and better protection of personal data online.

Member states had two years - until last May - to insert into their law books the new rules but only Malta, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Sweden and the UK have already done so.

While reiterating that "swift and consistent implementation of these rules is a priority of the EU's digital agenda", the Commission warned the 20 member states to implement the rules without further delay or risk being taken to Court over the issue.