The Three Providers: GO, Melita & Epic
Malta has three main telecom providers: GO, Melita, and Epic (formerly Vodafone Malta). All three operate as full-service providers offering mobile plans, home broadband, and bundled packages. Despite this compact market, competition is fierce, keeping prices reasonable and driving constant network upgrades.
GO — The Reliable Infrastructure Giant
GO (formerly Maltacom) is Malta's incumbent national telecoms provider and owns most of the island's fiber-optic infrastructure. In May 2025, GO declared Malta a “True Fibre Island” after completing a 13-year, €100 million+ rollout that passed over 371,000 homes across every locality in Malta and Gozo — laying 10,800 km of fiber cable.
Strengths
- True FTTH covering every locality
- Speeds up to 10 Gbps residential
- Best-rated customer service
- ~50% mobile market share
- 6+ retail stores on Malta, 1 on Gozo
Trade-offs
- Slightly more expensive than competitors
- Installation can take 3–7 days
- 24-month home contracts standard
- ETF ~€200 (yr 1) / ~€100 (yr 2)
Melita — The Bundle & Budget Champion
Founded in 1988, Melita is Malta's original cable TV and internet provider, now owned by Goldman Sachs Alternatives. Melita controls roughly half of Malta's broadband market with over 300,000 subscribers and operates around 30 retail stores plus 150+ authorized dealers.
Rather than true fiber-to-the-home, Melita uses a DOCSIS 3.1 cable network (marketed as “fibre-powered”) delivering gigabit speeds nationwide — up to 2.5 Gbps on premium plans. Upload speeds on cable tend to be lower than true fiber, which matters for content creators and heavy uploaders. Melita also provides access to 50,000+ WiFi hotspots across Malta for subscribers.
Strengths
- Best TV and bundle packages
- Most competitive pricing
- Up to 2.5 Gbps download
- Nationwide cable coverage incl. Gozo
- 30+ stores, 150+ dealers
Trade-offs
- Mixed customer service reputation
- Patchier mobile coverage in rural areas
- Lower upload speeds vs true fiber
- ETF reported up to €300
Epic — The Expat-Friendly Disruptor
Epic was born when Monaco Telecom (owned by Xavier Niel's NJJ Holdings) acquired Vodafone Malta in 2020 and rebranded it in 2021. It inherited Vodafone's extensive network and roughly 42% mobile subscriber market share. Epic invested €20 million in 5G and fiber expansion and was named Malta's Fastest Mobile Network by Ookla for multiple quarters in 2024–2025.
Strengths
- 30-day risk-free home internet trial
- 1-year contract options (vs 24 months)
- SIM kiosk at Malta Airport arrivals
- Ookla fastest network award
- Plug-and-play 5G Instant Wi-Fi
- eSIM & easy online signup
Trade-offs
- Fewer physical stores (~20)
- Digital-first customer support
- No TV bundle options
- FTTH via own + GO wholesale
Quick Provider Comparison
| Factor | GO | Melita | Epic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Reliability, fiber coverage | TV bundles, budget broadband | Flexibility, mobile speed |
| Home broadband tech | True FTTH | DOCSIS 3.1 cable | FTTH (own + GO wholesale) |
| Max residential speed | Up to 10 Gbps | Up to 2.5 Gbps | Up to 2 Gbps |
| 4G coverage | 99%+ | ~95%+ | 99% |
| 5G | Urban zones | Nationwide (claims) | Nationwide (Ookla-awarded) |
| Contract flexibility | 24-month standard | 24-month standard | 1-year option, 30-day trial |
| Customer service | Best rated | Mixed reviews | Digital-first, efficient |
| Retail presence | 6+ stores + Gozo | 30+ stores, 150+ dealers | ~20 stores + airport kiosk |
Prepaid vs Postpaid: Which Should Expats Choose?
The practical answer: start with prepaid, switch to postpaid once settled. The documentation requirements differ significantly, and prepaid gives instant connectivity with zero commitment.
Prepaid — Just a Passport
- • Only need passport or EU photo ID
- • No proof of address required
- • No bank account needed
- • Buy at any store or airport kiosk
- • Working SIM in minutes
- • Starter packs €5–15
- • 28–30 day renewable data bundles
- • EU roaming included
- • SIM active for 365 days
- • Zero contract commitment
Postpaid — Better Value, More Docs
- • Passport or residence permit
- • Proof of address (rental contract)
- • Bank card for direct debit
- • Possible deposit (~€75 from Melita)
- • Better value per gigabyte
- • Higher data allowances
- • Unlimited options available
- • Billing convenience
- • 5G access on premium plans
- • Best for stays > 3 months
Prepaid Plans at a Glance
Buy a SIM the Moment You Land
Epic operates a kiosk at Malta International Airport arrivals. You can buy a prepaid SIM and get connected before leaving the airport. All you need is your passport. For other providers, there are stores in Valletta, Sliema, and most major towns.
Fiber Internet Availability Across Malta & Gozo
Malta achieved something few European countries can claim: 100% nationwide gigabit-capable coverage. According to EU data, Malta is one of only a handful of member states with complete VHCN (Very High Capacity Network) coverage, far exceeding the EU average of ~70%.
GO's FTTH network now passes every locality in both Malta and Gozo, with 94% of its fixed-line customers already on fiber as of mid-2025. Valletta was the final locality connected — complicated by UNESCO heritage status that required nighttime installation work. Melita's DOCSIS 3.1 cable network also provides gigabit-capable service nationwide. Epic's own fiber footprint is growing, supplemented by wholesale access to GO's infrastructure.
Coverage by Area
WiFi in Older Buildings
The main connectivity pain point in Malta relates to building age, not geography. Older limestone buildings with thick walls can severely weaken WiFi signals. Both GO (Smart Wi-Fi) and Melita (StellarWiFi) offer mesh WiFi systems — a worthwhile add-on for anyone renting a traditional Maltese townhouse or older apartment. All fixed broadband services come with unlimited data and no download caps.
Where Malta's 5G Rollout Stands
Malta has achieved 100% basic 5G household coverage according to the EU's 2024 Digital Decade Country Report, placing it alongside Denmark and the Netherlands at the top of European 5G deployment. All three operators offer 5G at no extra cost on premium and unlimited mobile plans.
In practice, 5G coverage is strongest in densely populated urban areas — Valletta, Sliema, St Julian's, Gżira, and Birkirkara — with real-world speeds typically 200–400 Mbps.
Epic Instant Wi-Fi — 5G Home Internet
Epic offers Instant Wi-Fi — a 5G-based home internet solution that is completely plug-and-play. No installation, no wiring, no waiting. For expats who want fast home internet without committing to a long contract or waiting for fiber installation, this is an excellent bridge solution.
eSIM Options for Expats
All three Maltese providers now support eSIM technology, making it easy to get connected without a physical SIM card — particularly useful for dual-SIM phones where you want to keep your home number active.
Local Provider eSIM
International eSIM Services (Bridge Solution)
International eSIMs are data-only (no local Malta phone number) and more expensive per gigabyte than local prepaid plans for stays beyond a few days.
Contract Terms & Flexibility for Short-Stay Expats
The standard home internet contract is 24 months — a commitment that doesn't align with many expat stays. Understanding your options and the true cost of flexibility is essential.
| Provider | Standard Term | Early Termination Fee | Flexibility Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| GO | 24 months | ~€200 (yr 1) / ~€100 (yr 2) | Negotiate in-store |
| Melita | 24 months | Up to €300 + equipment | Negotiate in-store |
| Epic | 12 or 24 months | ~€150 after 1st year | 30-day trial, 1-year option, Instant Wi-Fi |
Smart Strategies for Expats
Best Areas for Remote Work & Reliable Internet
With complete nationwide broadband coverage, you can work remotely from virtually anywhere in Malta. The differences between areas come down to infrastructure age, coworking availability, and the expat ecosystem.
Top-Tier Neighborhoods for Digital Professionals
Strong Alternatives at Lower Rents
Speeds & Reliability to Expect
Find a Remote-Work-Ready Rental
Modern apartments in Sliema, St Julian's, and Gżira typically come pre-wired for fiber. When browsing listings, check if internet is included and which provider serves the building.
Browse rentals on MyRentSetting Up Internet in Your Malta Rental
This is where the rental and telecom worlds intersect — and where many expats encounter unexpected friction. Here's a practical checklist.
Check Before Signing the Lease
Ask the landlord whether the property has an active internet connection and which provider serves it. Short-term furnished rentals often include WiFi; long-term leases typically don't.
Gather Your Documents
You'll need: passport or residence permit, rental contract (proof of address), written landlord authorization for installation, and a bank card for direct debit.
Choose Your Provider & Plan
Visit a store or sign up online. Consider contract length, your stay duration, and whether you need TV bundles. Epic's 30-day trial lets you test risk-free.
Wait for Installation
If the building has existing infrastructure: same-day to 3 days. New installations: 5–14 days. Peak periods (September–October): longer. Use a prepaid SIM as your bridge internet.
Optimize Your WiFi
If you're in an older building with thick limestone walls, ask about mesh WiFi add-ons at installation time. Use a wired Ethernet connection for your main workspace for maximum reliability.
Older Buildings & Copper Wiring
If your rental has older copper wiring, ask the provider about upgrading to fiber at installation. GO's copper switch-off is underway, and modern connections should be fiber or cable by default.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main internet providers in Malta?
Malta has three main providers: GO (incumbent fiber giant with 100% FTTH coverage), Melita (cable broadband and best TV bundles), and Epic (formerly Vodafone Malta — most expat-friendly with flexible contracts).
Which is the best internet provider in Malta?
It depends on your priorities. GO is best for fiber reliability and customer service. Melita offers the best TV bundles and budget broadband. Epic is the most expat-friendly with 1-year contracts, a 30-day risk-free trial, and an airport SIM kiosk. Epic was named Malta's Fastest Mobile Network by Ookla.
Do I need ID to buy a SIM card in Malta?
Yes — Maltese law requires SIM registration. For a prepaid SIM, you only need a valid passport or EU photo ID. No proof of address, residence card, or bank account needed. Buy at any provider store or the Epic kiosk at Malta Airport arrivals.
Can I get an eSIM in Malta?
Yes — all three providers support eSIM. GO has the easiest activation via its app (instant, no store visit). Melita supports online activation with passport scanning. Epic requires an in-store visit. International services like Airalo and Holafly also work as bridge solutions.
How fast is the internet in Malta?
Standard home broadband: 100–500 Mbps download (gigabit available). Mobile: 77–80 Mbps average. 5G: 200–400 Mbps in urban areas. Latency to EU servers: 40–47 ms. More than adequate for video calls and remote work.
Is there fiber internet in Gozo?
Yes — every locality in Gozo has fiber and cable broadband coverage, including smaller villages like Għarb and Xagħra. GO's FTTH and Melita's cable both cover the entire island. Rents in Gozo are ~40% lower than the Malta average.
Can I get internet in Malta without a long contract?
Yes. Epic offers a 30-day risk-free trial and 1-year contracts. Epic's Instant Wi-Fi (5G-based) is plug-and-play with shorter commitment. For mobile, prepaid plans from all providers have zero commitment. You can also negotiate shorter terms in-store.
How long does it take to install home internet in Malta?
Same-day to 3 days if the building has existing infrastructure. New installations: 5–14 days. Peak periods (Sep–Oct) can be longer. Epic's 5G Instant Wi-Fi requires no installation at all.
What documents do I need for home internet in Malta?
Passport or residence permit, rental contract (proof of address), written landlord authorization for installation, and a bank card for direct debit. Some providers may request a deposit from expats without an eResidence card.
Does my Malta rental include WiFi?
It depends. Short-term furnished rentals often include WiFi in the rent. Long-term leases typically require tenants to arrange their own service. Always ask before signing — and check which provider currently serves the building.
Is Malta good for remote work and digital nomads?
Excellent. 100% gigabit-capable coverage, 5G nationwide, no data caps, 40–47 ms latency to EU servers, multiple coworking spaces in Sliema/St Julian's/Valletta, and EU time zone. Malta's Nomad Residence Permit also caters specifically to remote workers.
Can I use my EU SIM card in Malta?
Yes — under the EU's "Roam Like at Home" regulation, your EU SIM works in Malta at no extra cost for temporary stays. However, providers may apply fair use limits for permanent roaming. For stays over a few months, switching to a local prepaid or postpaid plan is cheaper.
Useful Resources & Links
GO Malta
Fiber broadband, mobile plans, TV packages, and eSIM activation
Melita
Cable broadband, Pockit prepaid, Endless postpaid, and TV bundles
Epic Malta
Fiber, 5G Instant Wi-Fi, prepaid SIMs, and airport kiosk information
Malta Communications Authority (MCA)
Telecom regulator — complaints, coverage data, and market reports