Research conducted by Cable.co.uk has found that Malta has the cheapest internet  – cost per megabit – in Western Europe. The research, which examined the cost of broadband in 220 countries worldwide, found that consumers in Malta access broadband internet for €0.07 per megabit, 2 cents less than Andorra, Spain, and Portugal which came next on the list.

When considering the cost of internet access worldwide, in US Dollars, Malta places the twelfth cheapest at $0.08 per megabit.

When analyzed on a cost-per-megabit basis in US Dollars, the results showed several countries in Eastern Europe including Romania, Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia, together with Singapore and Thailand, leading the list.

Western Europe broadband prices

The 29 countries measured in Western Europe span the middle to the lower end of the table, with none in the top 50 and two in the bottom 50. The regional average price of USD 49.56 makes it the seventh cheapest of the 13 global regions overall. The cheapest in the region was Italy (USD 27.70, 58th), followed by Germany (USD 27.81, 59th) and France (USD 28.92, 61st). The most expensive was Norway (USD 89.10, 185th), followed by the Faroe Islands (USD 78.83, 176th) and Iceland (USD 69.65, 168th).

Harald Roesch, Chief Executive Officer at Melita Limited, said,

“Our mission is to deliver communication products that rank top tier in Europe for value; the results of this research show that we have succeeded.  This is the good news for Malta, which enjoys an excellent reputation for the quality and resilience of its telecommunications infrastructure.”

“The investment which our industry, particularly Melita, has made to bring superfast internet to the whole country, together with the vibrant competition that exists between providers, continues to deliver quality services to customers at some of the best prices globally,” Roesch said.

Malta has become an attractive option for digital nomads, primarily due to its favorable lifestyle, robust digital infrastructure, and ease of access to the European market. For digital nomads, Malta’s “Nomad Residence Permit” allows individuals from outside the EU to legally reside and work remotely for an international employer while enjoying Mediterranean island life. The permit is valid for one year and can be renewed up to three years, allowing for extended stays without needing to establish permanent residency.

The island’s well-developed internet infrastructure and abundance of co-working spaces make it ideal for remote work. English is one of Malta’s official languages, simplifying day-to-day interactions for English-speaking nomads. Additionally, as part of the Schengen Zone, Malta permits digital nomads to travel visa-free across 26 countries within the Schengen Area, making it easy to explore other parts of Europe during their stay.

Malta also has a welcoming expat and digital nomad community, offering networking opportunities, social events, and resources that foster connection and collaboration. The cheapest internet in Europe is also a plus. Coupled with Malta’s vibrant history, scenic beaches, and excellent healthcare services, digital nomads often find a balance between work and a high quality of life on the island