We refer to the article entitled ‘End of Roaming rip-off does not reach Malta’ by Elaine Attard, published 19 July 2011.

The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) would like to state that this title is categorically incorrect and grossly misleading. The roaming rates charged by the local mobile operators are regulated by the roaming regulation, which sets the same price ceilings across the EU, thus the maximum rates charged by local mobile operators are uniform across all other member states. All local operators are abiding by this regulation.

Furthermore, the maximum roaming prices referred to in the article of €0.43 per minute for a call made and €0.19 for calls received refer to the regulated rates in 2009 excluding VAT. As from 1st July 2011, the new price ceilings are €0.35 and €0.11 per minute respectively (excluding VAT).

In contrast to roaming tariffs, which are regulated by the EU, in practice, under the EU Framework, domestic retail tariffs are not regulated but are left to competitive forces, which in recent years have driven these prices down significantly as a result of increased competition. In fact, the gap between the Maltese average price and that of the EU is decreasing year-on-year.

■ Mandy Calleja

Communications Coordinator

Malta Communications Authority

Editor’s note: What the MCA fails to mention, is that the article quoted from concrete information requested by Maltese MEP Louis Grech in the European Parliament. The MCA makes it seem like the writer just made the assertion themselves, which is not the case.

What the MCA also fails to mention is that charges in Malta for roaming are still ridiculous and we tend to agree with the fact that they are, indeed, a rip off.