This page includes information on the following: landline telephones, mobile cellular telephones and getting Internet access in Spain.

Landline Telephones

Telefónica is the national supplier of landline telephone service, cellular/mobile telephone service (Movistar), Internet and ADSL. Long-distance and Internet service may be obtained through other providers, but the basic landline will still be provided through Telefónica.

• Telefónica
  Tel: 1004 (only from phones in Spain; say "English" at the prompts to be connected to an English-speaking operator)
  e-mail
  Website

Note: The following information may be required when contacting the call service:

• Telefonica bill (if available) or a recent utility (electricity) bill
• NIE and passport number
• Bank account details

English-speaking agents can be hired to assist in getting telephone and Internet service established. The agent acts as a go-between with Telefónica and provide contracts and other information (including manuals) in English.

Getting a telephone line installed

Telefónica is the only company authorised to install lines in Spain; there may be lengthy delays (many months) for installation, particularly in new developments or areas that are rural, difficult-to-reach or have rough terrain.

To obtain a new phone line, it is necessary to contact Telefónica directly. The Telefónica website has a search feature that allows potential customers to check if desired services are available in their area, though the website is in Spanish.

• To check if a service is available at a specific address: Click here (Select the Telefonía tab, select Linéa, select the service desired, and select Contratar)

Getting a telephone line connected

Before moving into an apartment or house, verify if there is a line (the presence of phone jacks does not mean a line is installed). Where a phone line is functioning and "live" it is possible (and less expensive) to transfer the account from the name of the previous occupant to the new one.

Requests for transfers may be done online at the Telefónica website and can be submitted up to two months in advance of the changeover.

• For information on transferring a phone line: Click here (in Spanish) 

To reconnect a phone line, contact Telefónica directly.

Getting a business line

Contact Telefónica directly to establish business telephone and Internet service. This may be done via the Telefónica website or phone.

• Telefónica
  Tel: 1004 (only from phones in Spain; say "English" at the prompts to be connected to an English-speaking operator)
  e-mail
  Website (in Spanish)

Making phone calls

Phone calls within Spain are usually charged by the minute, with charges dependent on time of day the call is made. Apply for a flat rate plan if a large number of calls are likely to be made. Although Telefónica holds a majority of the market, there are quite a few competitors offering reduced pricing plans. 

Calls can be made using the existing phone service, pre-paid phone cards, access codes, call-back numbers or over the Internet.

Billing

Telefónica bills can be received on paper by post, electronically via email or accessed at the Telefónica website. Landline Telefónica bills are generally distributed every alternate month. If payment is late or not received, Telefónica may cut off outgoing service and demand a fee in addition to outstanding bills to re-establish normal service.

Mobile Telephones

Many choices exist for mobile phone service in Spain. Spanish mobile phone service operates on a GSM network, so phones from elsewhere in Europe, including the UK, will probably function, although roaming charges may apply. For those spending some time in Spain, buying and installing a Spanish SIM card in the phone (and therefore obtaining a Spanish mobile phone number) is a less-expensive option. Phones from North America that operate on the CDMA system will not work in Spain.

Mobile phone billing

For those opting for a Spanish SIM card and/or phone, phone service can be obtained on a pre-paid or contract basis. 

For those wishing to obtain service on a contract basis, an foreigner's tax identification number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero/NIE) is usually required, though a passport number and proof of address may suffice. Service on a contract is generally less expensive per minute than the pre-paid service and billing is usually done monthly.

Pre-paid calling plans require credit to be bought at a mobile phone store, tobacconist, grocery store or newsagent. After receiving the credit, an access number should be called, the credit number and the mobile phone number is entered and credit is applied toward that phone number.

Internet Access

Once a telephone line is installed, Internet access can be procured through one of any number of Internet Service Providers (ISP). Prices can vary greatly from provider to provider.

Dial-up Internet access

Dial-up access is the slowest and usually the least expensive (at least on the surface) Internet access option. Dial up uses the telephone line in accessing the Internet; this means the telephone cannot be used simultaneously while connected to the Internet.

Dial-up plans are available with usage billed either:

• By the minute (with rates depending on time of day)
• At a flat rate per month
• At a flat rate per month plus by the minute

ADSL and Cable broadband

The broadband (cable modem, ADSL) Internet usage rate in Spain is lower than most other European countries, largely due to lack of access for those in more rural areas and the high cost of services.

ADSL and cable broadband are much faster than dial-up access and allow the user to stay connected to the Internet 24-hours a day. ISPs generally offer bundled packages that include phone and Internet access at a flat fee (though actual costs may differ depending on taxes and other "fees" the provider adds). The necessary hardware may or may not be included in the cost of the plan, so it is best to inquire. Plans may have limits regarding how much data can be uploaded or downloaded.

A technician is no longer required to install ADSL and cable broadband, therefore the customer will usually be responsible for installing the necessary hardware, which will be supplied by the ISP.

Once ADSL or cable broadband is installed, an optional wireless router can be connected allowing for wireless Internet usage within a building.

Satellite broadband

Satellite phone (including Internet access) can be used instead of land-based broadband. Those living in rural areas may find that satellite broadband is their only option for Internet and telephone service.

Satellite access requires a satellite dish with a clear line of sight to the south. Like regular broadband, it can be connected to the Internet at all times while allowing simultaneous phone calls. Plans may have limits regarding how much data can be uploaded or downloaded. Set-up and monthly service costs are generally much higher than conventional broadband.

WiMax broadband

WiMax Broadband (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is available in some areas of Spain. It relies on wireless transmission of a signal to connect users to the Internet and has generally been used to "fill the gaps" in rural areas without access to traditional Internet access. It can theoretically transmit 70 mbps over distances of up to 50 km, although actual range is affected by many variables, including network traffic and environmental factors.

Broadband Spain is a provider of WiMax and has plans to extend the service to areas currently lacking wired Internet access if there is a high enough concentration of interested parties.

• For more information, see the Broadband Spain website: Click here 

Further Information

• The Comisión del Mercado de las Telecomunicaciones is the telecommunications commission which regulates Internet usage in Spain
• Yahoo provides a list of Spanish Internet providers, for more information: Click here
• For a full analysis of the Spanish Internet Usage Stats and Telecom Reports: Click here 
• Some Telefónica telephone and ADSL installation manuals have been translated into English by an independent company and can be ordered online: Click here

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