This section includes the most frequently asked questions. If you do not find the answer to your questions, or require further clarifications, do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail at the following address: customercare@mca.org.mt.

How does the tariff comparison portal work?

The tool is easy to use. Simply follow these steps:

• Step 1

  Select a service, by clicking on one of the options available, i.e. Fixed line tariff plans, Mobile tariff plans, Internet tariff plans or Bundled tariff plans.

• Step 2

  Complete a short series of questions about the type of service plan you need and then click on the ‘Search’ button.

• Step 3

  You will be directed to the results page which will only display a list of plans which fit the preferences indicated when completing the questions. The list of plans is sorted in accordance of the calculated monthly cost starting from the cheapest service plans. From here, you can choose other sorting options as displayed in the results page.

Why do the results page provide two separate costs for the same plan?

The way that service providers designate their plans and the pricing conditions regulating such plans vary from one another. This means that consumers would have some difficulties to compare the different offers made available by service providers.

For instance, you may find plans which are payable every 14 days and you may find other plans which are payable every month. It is for this reason, that the results page of the portal indicates two prices for each plan, as follows:

1. The cost of the plan in accordance with the fees as set and marketed by the service provider; and
2. A pro-rate of the cost of the plan worked on a monthly basis.

We believe that this approach provides a consistent and fair display of the offers made available by service providers and also assists consumers in comparing all plans on offer accurately.

The following are two examples:

• Example 1

  A mobile pre-paid bundle plan (including a number of voice, SMS and data allowances) costs €10 every two weeks. The portal will display:

  1. the cost of the periodic fee as set by the service provider (i.e. €10 / every two weeks); and
  2. a pro-rate of the cost of the plan on a monthly basis (e.g. €21.43 / month)

• Example 2

  A 2-year agreement bundle comprising Internet, Fixed Telephony and TV services costs €20 for the first 3 months and €30 thereafter. The portal will display:

  1. the cost of the periodic fee as set by the service provider after the discounts rate period elapses (i.e. €30 / every month); and
  2. a pro-rate of the cost of the plan on a monthly basis taking into account the discounted price of the initial 3-month period (€28.75 / every month - calculated on a 24-month period).

Do the costs indicated in the results page also factor all applicable charges?

No. The prices indicated in the results page are based solely on the rental fees payable periodically to the service provider and do not factor additional charges that may apply such as for example installation charges. Nevertheless, the portal provides the possibility to view other charges which could be applicable by clicking on the tab ‘Show Details’ next to each plan displayed. This page will also display details on usage related charges that could apply should you subscribe to that particular plan such as for example voice rates and SMS rates when applicable.

Can I subscribe to a tariff plan displayed in the results page of the portal?

No the portal does not provide the function to subscribe to a tariff plan directly. The results generated by this portal are purely indicative and serve to narrow down the choice from the wide selection of tariff plans available on the market.

We recommend that you read all applicable terms and conditions which are also accessible from each plan displayed on the portal. Consumers are encouraged to contact their service provider to proceed with enquiring about the subscription to a particular identified plan if interested.

We also encourage you to read MCA’s consumer guides, which are available for download here. These guides will help you identify what elements or characteristics of a service are important to you and assist you in selecting the right tariff plan.

Why am I not able to see my current tariff plan subscription?

In the event that your tariff plan is no longer being sold by the service provider, then it will not feature in this price comparison tool. The portal shows only those plans that are currently being offered in the market.

Is VAT included in the costs displayed in the results page?

All indicated prices include VAT but exclude excise tax. (Vat and Excise tax are currently at 18% and 4% respectively).