Internet health monitoring system

I refer to Charles Zahra's letter (September 9) regarding internet speed.

In his letter, Mr Zahra states that for some time, instead of the 56 kbps speed his ISP was supposed to provide, the speed provided ranged between 26.8 and 28.8 kbps.

Mr Zahra does not specify how he measured his connection speed. Any internet subscriber may check his or her connection speed using the Malta Internet Health Monitoring System (IHMS) set up by the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) and accessible through the MCA's website.

The IHMS is independent of the ISPs and enables subscribers to carry out speed tests which measure the upload and download speeds between their computer and the local internet backbone.

The site also provides statistical information regarding the uptime of local ISPs that have accepted to participate in this initiative and monitors a number of popular international internet sites, such as Google and Yahoo.

We advise Mr Zahra to conduct internet speed tests using the IHMS and to contact his ISP should his speed not reflect the terms and conditions agreed. Mr Zahra may also submit his complaint to the MCA where we will handle his complaint in accordance with the MCA's complaint handling procedure.