Internet & Mobile Phones Spain: Best Providers for Expats 2026

Movistar (Telefónica Group)

Market Position: Spain's largest provider. Widest coverage, most established infrastructure.

Internet Services:

Mobile Service:

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

For expats: Movistar often pre-installed in new builds. Reliable choice, though not cheapest. Consider switching to Digi after initial contract if cost-sensitive.

Orange (Part of Orange Group)

Market Position: Second-largest Spanish provider. Competitive with Movistar.

Internet Services:

Mobile Service:

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

For expats: Solid choice, often competitive price with Movistar. Look for introductory offers (first 3-6 months discounted).

Digi (Spanish Telecoms Company)

Market Position: Aggressive new competitor. Rapidly expanding, increasingly available.

Internet Services:

Mobile Service:

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

For expats: Highly recommended if available at your address. Check availability online. Significant cost savings (€100-200/year vs Movistar) for equivalent service. Growing expat adoption.

Vodafone Spain

Market Position: Third major player. Previously stronger, now consolidating.

Internet Services:

Mobile Service:

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

For expats: Option if pricing attractive and available. Not preferred choice vs. Orange or Digi, but viable.

MasMovil (Ono, Yoigo Brands)

Market Position: Regional operators using other company infrastructure.

Internet Services:

Mobile Service:

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

For expats: Worth checking if available at your address, particularly for cost-conscious relocators.

Mobile Plan Options

Contract vs. Prepaid

Contract Plans (12-month minimum typical)

Prepaid Plans (Month-to-month)

Data allowances:

Call/SMS allowances:

Provider Mobile Plans Overview

Movistar Mobile

Orange Mobile

Vodafone Mobile

Digi Mobile (Highly Recommended)

Virtual operators (Pepephone, MVNO, etc.)

Getting Spanish Phone Number

Phone Number Assignment

When signing up for mobile plan:

Number portability:

International calling:

Signing Up: Step-by-Step

Online signup (all major providers)

All providers have online sign-up options, increasingly English-available:

Requirements:

Step-by-step process:

Language barriers: English increasingly available online. Use Google Translate for any Spanish. Customer service calls might require Spanish or English-speaking friend.

Spanish Bank Account Setup

Why needed: Internet/mobile providers prefer Spanish IBAN for billing.

Opening account:

Recommendation: Open Spanish bank account before signing up for utilities. Makes life easier (rent, bills, etc.).

Alternative: Some providers accept UK bank cards for billing, though with currency conversion fees.

Getting NIE (Foreigner ID Number)

Required for all utilities/legal stuff in Spain

Timeline: Should obtain NIE before signing contracts, though not always enforced.

Process (accelerated for relocators):

Practical reality: Many providers don't strictly require NIE initially (accept passport), but you'll need it eventually for residency, bank account, property purchase.

Priority: Get NIE first week in Spain. Simplifies everything afterward.

Expert Help for Complex Setups

English-Speaking Assistance Available

Expat services (popular in Costa Blanca):

Costs of services:

When hiring help:

DIY approach: Possible with Google Translate, patience, basic tech skills. Most expats handle it themselves—not as hard as expected.

Common Issues & Solutions

Slow internet speed

No internet connection

Mobile signal issues

Billing problems

Customer Support Contact Information

Movistar

Orange

Digi

Vodafone

General advice: Speak Spanish if possible—English support slower. Call during off-peak hours (11am-2pm Spanish time). WhatsApp customer service available at some providers.