If you've just landed in Spain, you´re probably wondering what phone & Internet provider is best for your needs. Well, it can be hard sometimes, but there is no need to worry. Our job at Typical Non Spanish is to make your life easier so we've done our homework to offer you a quick review on the best options available. Keep reading to discover the ins and outs of phone and Internet providers in Spain.
The first thing you should know is that the telco market is divided into two types of phone & internet providers: the big companies and the low-cost providers. There are basically four Internet and cell phone providers in Spain that have their own network of antennas installed throughout the country. Their prices are higher but they are the only ones who offer packages combining ADSL or Fiber Optic, with landline, cellphone service, smart TV y home security services. Keep in mind that you'll likely need a NIE document to get a contract with these companies. As for low-cost providers, in the last few years a lot of small companies have appeared that offer internet and cellphone service at very competitive prices, although their offer is less extensive. Whether you choose a large or a small provider depends on your priorities.
Movistar is the first ADSL and fiber optic provider in Spain and the first one to offer mobile and ADSL packages to clients. Movistar belongs to Telefónica, which until 1998 was the only phone provider in Spain. Historically, Movistar is the best-known telco in Spain and one of the most widely offered. Movistar also has Movistar+, its own TV streaming service, where you can find LaLiga.
Pros: good customer service (in English too!) and has stores in every major city in Spain. It provides a full service, where you can buy everything you need, but the best thing about Movistar is its broadband.
Cons: it's pricier than others and you'll need a NIE to get started.
Vodafone is a UK company. Its ADSL connection is the second in line for being the fastest in the market and now offers up to 1Gb of speed. It is also known for its smart TV offering, which includes different streaming services such as HBO Max, Disney+ and Prime.
Pros: good customer service, Vodafone stores in practically every major city in Spain, competitive prices and only requires a passport, not a NIE.
Cons: reviews say prices go up after the first year and they have more of a limited coverage compared to companies. Watch out for the small print!
Orange strives to offer very good prices and they are known for including unlimited minutes to landlines and cell phones. And if you like sports, Orange offers you DAZN, a TV channel with tennis, formula 1 races, basketball...
Pros: free minutes for international calls and their fiber optic connections are symmetrical. Very interesting for communicating with your family and friends abroad.
Cons: It's not valued as much as others, you must sign a long-term contract and their ADSL prices without cell phone increases after the first year. Check carefully before you sign.
Yoigo was the first low-cost provider in Spain and is now the fourth Spanish Internet provider with its own license. Spoiler: If you are a lover of series and films, you should know that Yoigo includes Netflix in its broadband plans.
Pros: If you don't add a cell phone to the account, you don’t have to sign a long-term contract.
Cons: be cautious and read the fine print especially if you feel lured by the unlimited minutes they offer.
There are also a number of regional and smaller Internet providers in Spain like MásMóvil, Lowi, DIGI… whose clients are growing in numbers! Sometimes, choosing a phone & Internet provider can be a headache and these low-cost companies offer more flexibility and freedom to their customers, who are often tired of the big telco companies. That is its strength and you can pay only for what you need. Important: they do not have shops, you can get theirs plans online or by simply making a phone call. Good on the one hand, bad on the other.
In any case, we encourage you to also talk to your neighbors, members of the community and other expats and listen to their recommendations. The telco market is moving very fast and interesting opportunities are appearing every day. In fact, choosing a phone and internet provider is very similar to choosing insurance: the price is very important, but you must pay attention to everything it offers and not fall into tricky promotional deals. If you need to, you can compare prices and plans on some websites, where you can easily see what internet and phone providers in Spain offers you.
In conclusion: when you are an expat, whether through social networks, WhatsApp or phone calls, the phone is an essential tool to keep in touch with your family and friends. Internet service can even turn a house into a home. Moreover, remote work has turned staying connected into something indispensable. That's why choosing your phone provider correctly is very important. Almost as important as choosing good insurance for your home. But don't worry, we can help you with this: our expat insurance offers you 24h English-speaking cover for water damage, weather conditions, fire, burglary and even IT Services in case you need it. From Caser Expat Insurance we will make sure that you always feel safe. Find out more info about our home insurance by clicking here, you could find everything you need to know about the coverages, and whenever you have everything clear, you can get a quote and calculate how much it would cost you to be insurance with Caser.
But remember, in order to take out home insurance or get a phone or Internet contract in Spain, you often need a valid NIE number. Discover how to carry out this process in our free, easy guide: