The Malta Communications Authority is the National Agency responsible for the regulation of the telecommunications sector. It was established on 1 January 2001. The present chairman and Director General is Mr. Joe V. Tabone.

The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) has general powers under the Malta Communications Authority Act (Chapter 418 of the Laws of Malta), and specific powers under other laws, such as the Telecommunications (Regulation) Act (Chapter 399 of the Laws of Malta). The Postal Services Act identifies the Authority as the competent authority to regulate postal services; and the Electronic Commerce Act establishes the Authority as the e-commerce regulator. It regulates the field of communications in the manner prescribed by law.

The Authority is responsible to ensure freedom of communications, which shall not be limited except when there are higher values at stake, such as the protection of the right to privacy, or the prevention of crime. It also has a duty to ensure non-discrimination and equality of treatment in matters related to communications.

The primary role of the Authority is to facilitate freedom of choice and value for money for consumers. In addition, the Authority has a strategic role to promote sectoral investment through the creation of an environment that is conducive to business and one ensuring sustainability of competition.

The Authority also grants licences, resolves disputes relating to communications, and in general ensures the well-being of the communications markets, including the telecommunications markets. It has obligations to the consumer in relation to prices, standards and availability of services. The Authority is also responsible for service standards, and perform all the functions assigned to it by the Ministry for Competitiveness and Communications.