They are saying that the product is already available then implying a government deal on behalf of all citizens doesn't matter because the product is already available.

Maltese population are historically price sensitive. €20 a month isn't something you easily justify especially with recent cost of living increases.

So the fact that you get it free after doing some basic due diligence is actually a big deal in the local context.

Anyone can use ChatGPT for free already. The vast majority of people using AI as a search engine alternative/chatbot never have any reason to pay. You don't even need an account.