From Mr A. J. Muscat

Most markets have been liberalised now and consumers have benefited dramatically in recent months as a result of the increased competition. The developments in the fixed line, mobile telephony and broadband sectors are perfect examples of competition working in favour of consumers.

The Malta Communications Authority has enabled consumers to switch between mobile operators while retaining their numbers. Hence losing your number is no longer an obstacle to securing better prices.

This is unfortunately not the case for Internet Service Providers. I know of many individuals who are well aware of more competitive packages but are reluctant to switch since they do not wish to lose an e-mail address that they have been using for years. Surely the MCA should look into this matter.

Competition would be greatly enhanced if ISPs were instructed to either redirect e-mails or deliver an e-mail informing the sender that the e-mail address has changed, at least for a few weeks or months after the switch.

Ambrose J. Muscat