Internet Providers in Malta: Fiber Optic and Mobile Networks Reviewed for International Home Offices

Malta Internet Providers 2025: My Honest Comparison after Two Years of Home Office

Let me start with the truth: Malta is not Germany when it comes to internet. After two years of remote work based in Valletta, I can tell you that things work differently here. While my Berlin colleagues rave about gigabit fiber, I sometimes have to deal with upload speeds that mute me in Zoom meetings.

But before you cancel your Malta plans: it’s still doable. You just need to know which providers work and which ones will drive you crazy.

The Big Players in Malta’s Internet Market

Malta has three main players splitting the market. Melita dominates with the largest cable network, GO (formerly Vodafone Malta) shines in mobile, and Epic has quickly made a name for itself as a newcomer. There are also smaller providers like Vanilla Telecoms and Ozone, which often offer better service but have smaller coverage areas.

What does this mean for you? You have more options than I originally thought. But be warned: the advertised speeds and real-world experience can be worlds apart.

Malta Internet Speed Reality Check

According to the Malta Communications Authority (MCA), the average broadband speed in 2024 was 87 Mbps download and 23 Mbps upload. Sounds decent? For most remote jobs, it’s fine. The problem is the fluctuation: you might start your morning at 100 Mbps, but by the evening you’re down to just 20 Mbps.

The most frustrating part: upload speeds are often limited and asymmetric. For video calls you need at least 5 Mbps upload – in Malta that can be hit or miss, especially in the summer when the networks are clogged by tourists.

Fiber in Malta: Top Providers in the Speed Test

Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) isn’t available everywhere in Malta yet, but the situation is improving quickly. I’ve tested all the major providers – here are my honest experiences:

Melita: The Incumbent with a Cable Network Advantage

Melita has the best cable network on the island and is rapidly expanding fiber. Their “Giga” packages promise up to 1000 Mbps—realistically, I get a steady 800 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload in my Sliema apartment.

My Experience: A stable connection, but the customer service is… very Maltese. Expect a week for installation and support—after that, the internet runs reliably.

GO Malta: Strength in Mobile, Mediocre on Fixed Line

GO is top for mobile, but their fixed-line internet is average. Their fiber coverage is limited, and the advertised speeds are rarely delivered consistently.

• GO Fiber 100: 100/10 Mbps for €28/month – in reality 70-80 Mbps
• GO Fiber 500: 500/50 Mbps for €45/month – fluctuates widely between 200-400 Mbps
• Pro: Good mobile bundle offers
• Con: Customer service is even worse than Melita

Epic: The Underdog with Surprise Potential

Epic is David to the Goliaths and is a pleasant surprise. The network is smaller, but where available it often outperforms the big names.

Their business packages are interesting for home office: €65/month for symmetrical 300/300 Mbps with a guaranteed minimum speed. So you actually get what they promise.

What does this mean for you? If Epic is available in your area, give them a try. Usually more stable than the big providers, even with a smaller network.

Check Fiber Availability in Malta

Before signing a contract, check the actual availability. The provider websites are often overly optimistic. My tips:

1. Ask neighbors to show you their speed test results
2. Ask your landlord about experiences with different providers
3. Test mobile internet before ordering fixed line
4. Start with the cheapest plan – it’s quicker to upgrade than downgrade

Mobile Network and Data: What International SIM Cards Really Cost

The mobile network in Malta is surprisingly good—better than the fixed line. The 4G network covers 99% of the island, and 5G is available in major towns. For remote workers, it’s often a lifesaver when Wi-Fi fails.

GO Malta Mobile: The Clear Market Leader

GO has the island’s best mobile network. Their unlimited data plans are truly unlimited—I’ve used over 200 GB in a month without throttling.

Insider Tip: Technically, the unlimited plans have a “fair use” throttle after 50 GB. In reality, it never happens—I suspect GO doesn’t actually enforce it.

Melita Mobile: The Cheaper Alternative

Melita Mobile uses the GO network as an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) and is often cheaper. Same network quality, less service, lower prices.

• 20 GB: €12/month
• 60 GB: €20/month
• Unlimited: €30/month

The catch? The customer service is even more minimal than GO’s. But hey, five euros saved is five euros earned.

EU Roaming vs. Maltese SIM: The Cost Comparison

This is especially relevant for international remote workers. Thanks to EU roaming, you can theoretically use your German/Austrian/Italian SIM in Malta. In practice, it gets tricky:

EU Roaming Reality Check: After 4 continuous months of use outside your home country, providers can charge additional roaming fees. For longer Malta stays, you’ll need a local SIM.

What does this mean for you? For workations under 3 months: use EU roaming. For longer stays: get a Maltese SIM. Registration takes 10 minutes and you only need an ID card.

Mobile Hotspot as Wi-Fi Backup

Malta pro tip: Use your phone as an internet backup. GO’s 5G often reaches 200+ Mbps in Valletta and Sliema—faster than many Wi-Fi connections. For important calls, I often switch to mobile data.

The best hotspot experiences I had were with:

• iPhone 13 Pro or later: Stable connection, low battery drain
• Samsung Galaxy S22+: Good performance, but drains fast
• Dedicated Mobile Router: Huawei E5785 – lasts 10+ hours, up to 16 devices

Home Office Setup Malta: What Internet Speed Do You Actually Need?

Let’s be honest: most remote workers overestimate how much bandwidth they need. You don’t need 1 gigabit for email and Slack. But don’t underestimate Malta’s specific challenges either.

Internet Speed Requirements by Job Type

After two years of home office and testing various setups, here are my recommendations:

Malta Reality Check: Always expect about 30% less than advertised speeds. If you need a constant 100 Mbps, book at least 150 Mbps.

Upload Speed: The Underrated Bottleneck

Upload is a far bigger issue in Malta than download. While 200 Mbps download is standard, you’ll often get only 20 Mbps upload. That’s not enough if you:

• Upload large files to the cloud
• Screen share in 4K
• Live stream content
• Run backup software

My tip: Test upload-heavy tasks before you sign a contract. Upload 1 GB to your cloud and time it. Under 5 minutes = good, over 15 minutes = problematic for professional use.

Latency & Ping: Why Every Millisecond Counts

Ping times (latency) matter more for remote work than raw speed. In Malta, ping to German servers is 80–120ms—not bad for most uses, but noticeable in interactive tools.

This is especially critical for:

• VoIP Calls: Above 150ms you’ll notice delay
• Remote Desktop: Over 100ms feels sluggish
• Online Gaming/VR: Forget it over 50ms

What does this mean for you? Test the latency to your most important servers. European cloud services (AWS Frankfurt, Google Belgium) work well; US servers are slower.

Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet: The Performance Gap

In Maltese homes with thick stone walls, Wi-Fi is often weaker than Ethernet. I regularly see 50% less speed over Wi-Fi compared to cabled.

My home office setup tips:

1. Workspace: Always use an Ethernet cable to the router
2. Wi-Fi Router: Buy your own, provider routers are usually junk
3. Mesh System: Must-have for apartments above 80sqm
4. Backup: Keep a mobile hotspot ready for outages

Malta Internet Installation: From Sign-up to the First Video Call

Internet installation in Malta will test your patience. Expect 2–4 weeks from order to a working connection. Here’s my step-by-step guide so you don’t repeat my mistakes.

Step 1: Check Availability – the Right Way

Provider websites are misleading. Melita will show “available,” even if the nearest cable is 200 meters away. Do it like this:

1. Ask your landlord about existing connections
2. See which provider works for your neighbors
3. Call the provider directly—online checks are unreliable
4. Get written confirmation that installation is possible

Insider tip: In Valletta and the Three Cities, many buildings are heritage-listed. External cables are often not allowed—you’ll only find out at your installation appointment.

Step 2: Malta-Style Paperwork Chaos

Signing up needs more paperwork than opening a bank account. The standard list:

• ID Document: Passport or EU ID
• Proof of Address: Lease agreement or utility bill (not older than 3 months)
• Bank statement: For SEPA direct debit
• Malta Residency Card: For longer stays

The catch: Each provider asks for slightly different documents. GO wants an additional “letter of employment,” Melita sometimes asks for a deposit.

Step 3: The Installation Marathon

This is where it gets Maltese: appointments get pushed back, technicians show up late, sometimes with the wrong equipment. My survival tips:

Malta Time Reality: “Tomorrow morning” can mean anything from 8:00 to 16:00. Keep the whole day free and have a backup plan.

Step 4: Router Setup & Performance Test

Provider routers are mostly outdated. My honest advice: buy your own router. I’ve used an ASUS AX6000 for a year—costs €200, but doubles the Wi-Fi performance.

After installation, do these tests:

• Speed test: speedtest.net at different times of day
• Upload test: Upload 1 GB file to Google Drive
• Video call test: 30-minute Zoom with colleagues
• Ping test: ping google.com via command line

If performance isn’t right: complain immediately. After a week, the provider will claim everything is normal.

Backup Internet for the First Weeks

Plan to use mobile internet as a bridge. GO’s unlimited data SIM costs €35/month and works instantly. Termination notice is only one month—perfect as a temporary solution.

What does this mean for you? Order internet at least three weeks before moving to Malta. Have a mobile backup. And relax—eventually things will work out.

The Most Common Internet Problems in Malta – and How to Solve Them

After two years in Malta, I’ve seen every internet problem on the island. Here are the top annoyances and my tried-and-tested solutions:

Problem #1: Evening Speed Drops

The Malta phenomenon: 200 Mbps in the morning, 20 Mbps in the evening. Reason: overloaded local network nodes, especially bad in tourist areas from June to September.

My solution:

• Schedule important downloads for 6–10 am
• Do video calls before 6 pm if possible
• Use mobile data as an evening backup
• Enable QoS in your router to prioritize video calls

Problem #2: Asymmetric Upload Kills Video Calls

Maltese providers love asymmetric plans: 500 Mbps down, but only 20 Mbps up—not enough for high-quality screen sharing.

My workarounds:

1. Reduce video quality: Set Zoom to 720p instead of 1080p
2. Pause background uploads: Stop Dropbox, OneDrive before calls
3. Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi: Cable brings 30% more upload speed
4. 5G hotspot: Often better upload than fixed line

Problem #3: Stone Walls Eat Wi-Fi Signal

Maltese apartments have thick limestone walls that block Wi-Fi. In bedrooms, often only 20% of router strength gets through.

My tip: If possible, run an Ethernet cable to your desk. It’s ugly but works perfectly.

Problem #4: Provider Routers Are Junk

GO and Melita issue routers from 2018. Poor Wi-Fi chips, outdated firmware, no updates. Even the latest iPhone only gets 80 Mbps on Wi-Fi.

Router picks for Malta:

• Budget (€100): TP-Link Archer AX23 – solid for smaller flats
• Premium (€200): ASUS AX6000 – my setup, perfect for remote work
• Mesh (€300): Eero Pro 6E – best for tricky walls

Setup takes 10 minutes, improvement is immediate. Use the provider’s router as a modem only, and your own router for Wi-Fi.

Problem #5: Power Cuts = Internet Loss

Malta gets sporadic blackouts, especially in summer. No power = no internet = missed meetings.

My backup strategy:

1. UPS for router/modem: APC Back-UPS 400VA – 30-minutes buffer
2. Keep laptop charged: At least 50% battery before important calls
3. Mobile hotspot ready: GO SIM with unlimited data
4. Second workplace: Café or coworking space with a generator

Problem #6: Customer Service = Patience Test

Malta telecom support is… an experience. Long waits, multiple transfers, often no solution. My survival tips:

Malta Support Rule: Never call on Mondays or after holidays. Tuesday–Thursday, 10 am–3 pm, is best. And be patient—very patient.

• Use WhatsApp: GO and Melita have business WhatsApp—often faster than the hotline
• Social media pressure: Twitter/Facebook posts sometimes work wonders
• In-store visits: Staff are more helpful in person than on the phone
• Escalation: After the third unsuccessful call, ask for a supervisor

What does this mean for you? Plan for internet problems. Always have a backup. And learn to embrace Maltese chill—it’ll work out eventually.

Malta Internet Costs 2025: Budget Tips for Digital Nomads

Internet in Malta is pricier than in Germany, but cheaper than Switzerland. Here’s my cost analysis after two years of optimizing my setup:

Total Cost of Internet Setup in Malta

For a pro-level home office, budget for these expenses:

From year two, just €840/year (€70/month)—cheaper than premium internet in many major German cities.

Budget vs. Premium: What’s Worth It?

I’ve tried both extremes. Here’s my honest take:

Budget Setup (€30/month)

• Melita Smart 200 (200/20 Mbps)
• Use the provider router
• No mobile backup
• Pro: Cheap, enough for basic remote work
• Con: Weak upload, Wi-Fi issues, no redundancy

Premium Setup (€70/month)

• Melita Giga 1000 + GO Unlimited Mobile
• Own router, mesh system, UPS
• Pro: Rock-solid performance, multiple backups
• Con: Expensive, more setup required

My advice: Start with budget, upgrade if needed. Most remote workers are fine with 200 Mbps, as long as upload and stability are solid.

Spotting Hidden Costs

Providers hook you with low entry prices, then add extras:

• Installation: €50–100 (often “free” with 18+ month contracts)
• Router rental: €5–8/month (buy your own instead)
• Minimum contract: 12–24 months
• Notice period: 30–60 days
• Service fees: €25 for technician visits

Real talk: Read the fine print. Melita’s “€32/month” quickly becomes €45/month with router rental and fees.

Tax Deductibility in Malta

As a Malta resident, you can deduct internet costs as business expenses. Key points:

• 100% deductible: Separate business internet lines
• Partial deduction: Private lines used for work (usually 50–80%)
• Equipment: Routers, UPS, mesh systems as business assets
• Keep receipts: Store all invoices for 7 years

Consult a Maltese tax advisor—at €1,000+ per year for internet costs, it’s worth it.

Nomad-Friendly Provider Features

For long absences, some providers offer “suspend” options:

Alternatively: choose short contract periods, though they cost more. Flexibility isn’t cheap, but it can be worth it.

What does that mean for you? Budget €70/month for professional internet. Buy your own equipment. And factor in the hidden costs—Malta is as transparent as Valletta fog.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast is the Internet in Malta really?

The average broadband speed is 87 Mbps download and 23 Mbps upload, according to the Malta Communications Authority (2024). In practice, it fluctuates a lot: mornings often 100+ Mbps, evenings only 30–50 Mbps in congested areas.

Which internet provider is best in Malta?

Melita has the most reliable network and best fiber coverage. GO leads in mobile and bundle deals. Epic sometimes has better performance, but limited coverage. For remote work, I recommend Melita as the main connection plus GO Mobile as backup.

Can I use my German SIM card in Malta permanently?

EU roaming works for up to 4 months with no problem. After that, providers may charge extra fees. For longer stays you’ll need a Maltese SIM. GO Unlimited Data costs €35/month and works instantly.

How long does internet installation take in Malta?

From order to working connection, expect 2–4 weeks. New fiber installs can take 6–8 weeks. Appointments are often rescheduled—be flexible and have mobile internet for backup.

How much does internet cost in Malta for remote workers?

Professional setup: €70/month (500 Mbps fixed line + mobile backup). Budget option: €30/month (200 Mbps, no extras). Plus €300–500 up front for your own router and gear. Cheaper than Germany, more expensive than Eastern Europe.

Is home office internet reliable in Malta?

Yes, but be ready for Malta quirks: evening slowdowns, occasional power cuts, weak Wi-Fi due to stone walls. With your own router, backup SIM, and a UPS, it’s stable enough for professional remote work.

Do I need my own router in Malta?

Highly recommended. Provider routers are outdated and weak. An ASUS AX6000 (€200) will double your Wi-Fi performance. In flats with thick walls, also use a mesh system or powerline adapter.

What internet speed do I need for video calls?

Minimum: 25 Mbps download, 5 Mbps upload for 1:1 calls. Team meetings: 50/10 Mbps. Screen sharing in 4K: 100/25 Mbps. The issue in Malta: upload is often limited. Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi gets you 30% more upload speed.

Are there internet outages in Malta?

Sporadic blackouts cause internet interruptions, especially in summer. Major provider outages are rare. A UPS (€80) bridges up to 30 minutes without power. Use mobile data as backup for longer cuts.

Can I test Maltas internet before renting?

Yes: ask neighbors for speed test results, try mobile data in the area, use café Wi-Fi as a reference. Many providers offer a 14-day money-back guarantee. Start with short contracts to test things out.