Internet and telecommunications options in Spain: Major providers: Movistar, Vodafone, Orange. High-speed fiber optic widely available. Mobile data plans with 4G/5G. Prepaid SIM cards for temporary stays. Bundled TV, internet, phone packages. Coverage varies by region. Contract lengths typically 12-24 months. VoIP services widely used. Public Wi-Fi available in cities. Installation fees may apply.
Major providers: Movistar, Vodafone, Orange.
In Spain, the major telecommunications providers are Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange. Movistar, operated by Telefonica, is notable for having the highest market share and the best download speeds. Meanwhile, Vodafone and Orange provide competitive pricing, extensive coverage, and various bundled services, including 5G, home internet, and cable television. These leading providers offer both prepaid and contract options, ensuring that EU roaming is included in their plans. To access contract services, an NIE or TIE and a Spanish bank account are required.
High-speed fiber optic widely available.
High-speed fiber optic internet is widely available in Spain, with major providers like Orange, Vodafone, and Movistar offering various plans. Options include Orange's 600 Mb fibre connection, Vodafone's 300Mb fibre connection, and Movistar's comprehensive fiber optic services that reach both urban and rural areas. For more detailed information on the offerings and comparisons among the major providers, visit Hashtag Spain, which provides an in-depth guide to choosing the best internet provider in Spain.
Mobile data plans with 4G/5G.
In Spain, mobile data plans offer a range of options, including 4G and 5G services. Major providers like Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, and Yoigo provide plans with data ranging from 30GB to unlimited, priced between 25-60 EUR per month, with 5G services available in larger cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. For more detailed information on this topic, you can visit the Spain Expat website, which offers comprehensive insights into choosing the right mobile plan while living in Spain.
Prepaid SIM cards for temporary stays.
Prepaid SIM cards are the most convenient and cost-effective option for temporary stays in Spain, offering flexible 28-day plans, easy setup with minimal paperwork, and no long-term contracts, making them ideal for international students and expats. Providers like Lycamobile, Lebara, and Connectivity Mobile offer a range of data and call packages suitable for various needs.
Bundled TV, internet, phone packages.
In Spain, many providers such as Movistar, Vodafone, and Tiekom offer bundled packages that incorporate fibre optic internet, TV, and mobile services, providing customers with the convenience of a single monthly bill and often coming with enticing discounts. These packages typically include comprehensive features such as unlimited calls and texts, free installation, and access to a wide range of TV channels, including UK and US options, enhancing the overall customer experience. An example of such a service is the bundled packages offered by Lobster, which include mobile, fibre broadband, and optional TV services. These bundles are popular for their cost-effectiveness compared to purchasing individual services and provide extensive coverage throughout Spain, extending to regions like the Balearic and Canary Islands.
Coverage varies by region.
In Spain, internet and telecommunications coverage varies significantly by region, with fixed broadband coverage ranging from 81.1% in El Hierro to 100% in Melilla and Menorca, and NGA broadband coverage varying from 63.7% in La Palma to 98.4% in Madrid. Rural areas also show varied coverage, with FTTP being the most widespread NGA technology, and LTE coverage standing at 99.3% of rural households as of mid-2020. Detailed insights into these disparities can be explored through the Mapping Broadband Coverage Spain, which highlights the diverse landscape of technological infrastructure across different provinces in the country.
Contract lengths typically 12-24 months.
In Spain, Internet and telecommunications contracts, especially those offered by major providers like Orange, Movistar, Vodafone, and MasMovil, typically range from 12 to 24 months. These contracts often include fibre-optic internet plans with various speeds and pricing. Notably, Orange's 600 Mb fibre connection is available for 30.95 euros per month, and Movistar provides comprehensive plans that include internet, TV, and phone services. For more details on the best options, you can explore the Best Internet Provider Spain resource.
VoIP services widely used.
In Spain, several VoIP services are widely used, including Calilio, Rinkel, Ooma, and RingCentral, which offer advanced Voice over Internet Protocol services with features like high call clarity, call forwarding, and flexible pricing plans suitable for businesses of all sizes. Providers such as RingOver, CloudTalk, and Zadarma also offer additional features like video conferencing, multi-level IVR, and CRM integration, making them popular for various business needs. To explore a comprehensive list of the best virtual phone number providers, visit the Calilio blog for more insights.
Public Wi-Fi available in cities.
In Spain, particularly in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, there is extensive public Wi-Fi coverage. Barcelona has around 180 public Wi-Fi hotspots, and a broader network of nearly 2000 hotspots, especially in districts like Old Town, Eixample, Sants, and Gracia. For more detailed information about these facilities, you can visit the Barcelona Internet Cafes page. Madrid also offers free Wi-Fi in various public spaces, including tourist information centers, parks, libraries, and shopping malls, as well as on public transportation and at the airport.
Installation fees may apply.
In Spain, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) often charge a signup fee, known as "cuota de alta," for installation, which is in addition to the monthly fee. The router is typically provided at no extra cost; however, for foreigners, there may be a required deposit to ensure contract completion. For more detailed information, you can visit the comprehensive guide on Internet Access in Spain.