Communication in Malta

The Kunsill Nazzjonali tal-Ilsien Malti supports Maltese language policy. The Kunsill għal-Lingwa tas-Sinjali Maltija protects and develops Maltese Sign Language. In everyday communication, people may choose Maltese or English according to context and preference, and Maltese English, code-switching and code-mixing are common. The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) regulates fixed and mobile telephone services, internet services, television distribution and postal services. A telephone or internet complaint normally starts with the provider. If the provider does not resolve it, the customer can submit the MCA Complaint Form. The MCA acts within its legal powers; other matters may require mediation or referral elsewhere. Telecommunications users have rights to core contract information, straightforward cancellation and provider switching with number portability. Compensation may apply when a provider falls below an applicable service-quality standard. The emergency number in Malta is 112, under the responsibility of the Commissioner of Police. Emergency calls should be handled quickly and effectively, with equivalent access for people with disabilities. 116 services are generally available without advance registration, time limits or a payment requirement. MaltaPost p.l.c. provides the universal postal service and other local and international services. Collection and delivery take place six days a week in Malta and Gozo. A sender needs a correct address, permitted contents, suitable packaging and any required customs documents. For non-delivery or damage, the first contact is MaltaPost Customer Care by email, telephone, in person or by post. An international postal enquiry can be opened for up to six months after the item was posted; further escalation may involve the Consumer and Competition Division or the MCA. Servizz.gov is the central practical access point for government services in Malta. It provides information, applications, appointments, reports, complaints and suggestions through face-to-face services, telephone, the internet and Maltapps. It operates 26 service locations. An eID is available to Maltese citizens and eResidence holders aged 14 or older. Applications can be made through Servizz.gov or Identità; the supplied service timings indicate about one day for submission, five days for review and ten days for the activation email. No cost is stated in the available information. The MCA is Malta's Digital Services Coordinator under the Digital Services Act (DSA). A DSA complaint concerns suspected non-compliance by an online provider. Content removal or account suspension is primarily handled through the provider's own process, with alternative dispute resolution or mediation available in some cases. Illegal content may also require contact with the competent authority or the police. Aġenzija Sapport provides Maltese Sign Language interpretation between LSM and Maltese or English for everyday life, education, work, health, legal and court matters, and leisure. Booking is available by email, telephone or SMS, but fees are not stated in the available information. An accessibility complaint about a public website can be sent to the MCA; general access is available, with an indicated assessment time of about seven days and service completion time of about 30 days. The Ombudsman independently and free of charge examines unresolved complaints about government and public entities. A complainant normally contacts the relevant entity first or waits for an absent or inadequate response, then submits the complaint online, by email, by post or in person with identification and supporting evidence. Malta has no single general office for all communication conflicts. Language choice, clarification, written confirmation and interpretation often resolve everyday misunderstandings, while formal escalation follows the service involved. Telephone or internet issues go from the provider to the MCA, postal issues go from MaltaPost to the MCA or Consumer and Competition Division, public-service complaints go from the relevant public entity or Servizz.gov to the Ombudsman, and accessibility matters may involve the MCA, CRPD or Aġenzija Sapport.