Internet & Mobile in Spain: Complete 2025 Guide for Expats

Spain has one of Europe's most competitive telecom markets, with extensive fiber coverage and affordable mobile plans that make staying connected easy for expats and digital nomads. This guide covers everything you need to know about setting up internet and mobile service in Spain.

Spain's Telecom Landscape

Spain's telecommunications market is dominated by four major operators that own the network infrastructure, plus a growing number of budget virtual operators (MVNOs) that offer excellent value by using these same networks.

Major Providers

Movistar (Telefónica) is Spain's largest telecom operator with the most extensive fiber and mobile network coverage. They own the majority of fiber infrastructure and offer premium packages with TV, streaming, and comprehensive customer support. Expect to pay €50-80/month for combined fiber and mobile plans.

Vodafone operates Spain's second-largest network with strong 5G coverage in urban areas. Their Lowi budget brand uses the same network at significantly lower prices. Main brand plans typically run €45-75/month.

Orange holds the third position in market share with competitive fiber and mobile offerings. They operate the Simyo and Jazztel budget brands. Orange plans range from €40-70/month for combined services.

MásMóvil Group has grown rapidly through acquisitions (including Yoigo, Pepephone, and more recently merged with Orange Spain). They offer competitive pricing and have invested heavily in network expansion.

Budget Operators: Best Value for Expats

For most expats, budget operators (MVNOs) offer the best value. These companies use the major networks' infrastructure but skip expensive retail stores and advertising, passing savings to customers. All plans include 5G access, unlimited calls, and EU roaming.

Pepephone (Uses MásOrange Network)

Pepephone is consistently rated Spain's most customer-friendly operator. Key features include rollover data (unused GB carry to next month), no contracts, and excellent customer service.

Mobile-Only Plans:

• 30GB: €7/month
• 40GB: €10/month
• 100GB: €15/month
• 150GB: €20/month
• 219GB + Netflix: €24.90/month

Fiber + Mobile Bundles:

• 600 Mb + 35GB: €38/month
• 600 Mb + 60GB: €45/month
• 1 Gb + 350GB: €50/month

Lowi (Uses Vodafone Network)

Lowi offers some of Spain's cheapest mobile plans with Vodafone's excellent network quality.

Mobile-Only Plans:

• 15GB: €5/month
• 50GB: €8/month
• 100GB: €10/month
• 150GB: €15/month
• 300GB: €20/month

Other Budget Options

O2 (Telefónica's budget brand): Similar pricing to Lowi, uses Movistar network. Good option for those wanting a recognized brand name.

Simyo (Orange network): Customizable plans starting around €6/month. Good EU roaming options.

Digi: Romanian operator with extremely competitive pricing (around €5-10/month for generous data). Limited coverage in some rural areas.

Fiber Internet Availability and Speeds

Spain has exceptional fiber coverage—among the best in Europe. Over 90% of Spanish households can access fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) connections, compared to less than 40% in Germany.

Typical Fiber Speeds and Prices

• 300 Mb symmetric: €25-30/month (fiber only)
• 600 Mb symmetric: €30-38/month
• 1 Gb symmetric: €40-50/month

Most fiber plans are symmetric, meaning upload speeds match download speeds—ideal for video calls, streaming, and remote work.

Installation and Setup

Fiber installation is typically:

• Free with most contracts (no permanence period with budget operators)
• Completed within 3-7 business days after ordering
• Includes a router/ONT provided by the operator

In major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Sevilla, you can often get installation within 48-72 hours.

Rural and Remote Areas

While urban coverage is excellent, some rural areas may only have access to:

• 4G/5G mobile broadband (usually adequate for most needs)
• Slower ADSL connections (becoming rare)
• Satellite internet (Starlink operates in Spain)

Check coverage at your specific address before signing a rental contract if reliable internet is essential for your work.

Mobile Plans: Prepaid vs Contract

Prepaid (Prepago)

Best for: Short-term visitors, those testing networks, or irregular usage patterns.

How it works:

• Buy a SIM card at any phone shop, supermarket, or operator store (€5-15)
• Top up credit as needed via app, online, or at shops
• No credit check or Spanish documentation required initially
• Data packages typically cost €10-15 for 5-10GB

Popular prepaid options:

• Lycamobile (good international calling rates)
• Lebara (budget international plans)
• Vodafone Yu (youth-oriented prepaid)

Contract (Contrato)

Best for: Long-term residents who want the best value.

Advantages:

• Significantly cheaper per GB than prepaid
• Better network priority
• Phone financing options available
• Bundle discounts with fiber

Requirements to Sign Up

For Prepaid SIMs

• Passport or ID: Required for registration (EU law)
• No NIE needed initially
• Can often buy and activate same-day at phone shops

For Contract Plans

NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero): This is your foreigner identification number in Spain. All major operators require it for contract services.

• EU citizens: Get a green NIE certificate at the police station (Oficina de Extranjeros)
• Non-EU citizens: Your TIE (residence card) includes your NIE

Spanish Bank Account: Most operators require SEPA direct debit from a Spanish bank account. Options include:

• Traditional banks (CaixaBank, Santander, BBVA)
• Digital banks (N26, Revolut, Wise) often work for direct debits

Proof of Address: Not always required, but may be requested. Utility bills or rental contracts are accepted.

Workarounds for New Arrivals

If you just arrived and don't have your NIE yet:

1. Start with prepaid: Use prepaid service while sorting paperwork
2. Budget operators are more flexible: Some accept passport-only for the first months
3. Ask about "alta nueva" (new customer): Some operators have simplified processes for new residents
4. Digital operators: Online-only operators sometimes have easier verification

5G Coverage in Spain

Spain has rolled out 5G aggressively since 2020. As of 2025:

• Major cities: Comprehensive 5G coverage (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, Bilbao, Málaga)
• Medium cities: Good coverage in central areas
• Rural areas: Limited but expanding

5G by Operator

• Movistar: Excellent coverage (best overall)
• Vodafone: Very good coverage in urban areas
• Orange: Good and expanding rapidly
• MásMóvil/Yoigo: Good in major cities

Budget operators like Pepephone and Lowi include 5G access at no extra cost when using compatible devices in covered areas.

What 5G Means for You

• Download speeds of 300-1000+ Mbps in optimal conditions
• Lower latency for video calls and gaming
• Works as viable home internet alternative in covered areas

EU Roaming: Using Your Spanish Plan Abroad

Under EU regulations, your Spanish mobile plan works throughout the European Economic Area (EEA) at domestic rates—known as "Roam Like at Home."

What's Included

• 27 EU countries + Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway
• Use your calls, texts, and data as if in Spain
• No extra charges for receiving calls

Fair Use Limits

Operators can apply "fair use" data caps for roaming, typically calculated as:

Roaming data allowance = (Monthly price ÷ €2) × 2 GB

Example: A €10/month plan includes approximately 10GB roaming data.

Most budget plans with 30-100GB include 10-20GB for EU roaming—more than enough for typical travel.

Countries NOT Included

Roaming charges still apply in:

• Switzerland (not in EEA)
• UK (post-Brexit)
• Turkey, Morocco, and other non-EU destinations

Best Options for Expats and Digital Nomads

For Digital Nomads (Short-Medium Term)

Recommended setup:

1. Pepephone 100GB mobile plan (€15/month): Excellent value, no contract, 5G, EU roaming
2. Use mobile hotspot for laptop needs initially
3. Add fiber when you settle in one location

Why: Maximum flexibility, no paperwork hassles, easy to cancel.

For Long-Term Residents

Recommended setup:

1. Pepephone or Lowi fiber + mobile bundle (€38-50/month)
2. 600Mb or 1Gb fiber + generous mobile data
3. Add lines for family members at discounted rates (€5-10/each)

Why: Best value for stable living situation, reliable home internet for remote work.

For Families

Recommended setup:

1. Fiber + mobile bundle with additional lines
2. Pepephone: Additional lines from €5/month with shared data
3. Lowi: Add lines to main package at discounted rates

If You Need Premium Service

If budget isn't the primary concern and you want:

• Priority customer support in English
• Premium TV packages (sports, movies)
• Latest phone financing deals

Consider Movistar or Vodafone main brands. Expect to pay €60-100/month for full packages.

How to Set Up Service

Online (Fastest)

1. Visit operator website (all major operators have English options)
2. Enter your address to check coverage
3. Upload documents (NIE, ID)
4. Choose plan and enter bank details
5. SIM delivered to your address in 24-72 hours
6. Fiber installation scheduled within 3-7 days

In-Store

Useful if you prefer face-to-face help:

• Operator stores in most shopping centers
• Electronics stores (MediaMarkt, El Corte Inglés)
• Phone shops (small "locutorios" in every neighborhood)

Bring your NIE, passport, and Spanish bank details.

Porting Your Number

If you're switching from another Spanish operator:

• Portability is free and typically completes in 24-48 hours
• The new operator handles everything
• You'll receive your new SIM, then your number transfers overnight
• You're never without service during the switch

Plan Comparison Summary

Here's a quick comparison of the main budget operators:

• Pepephone (Movistar network): 40GB for €10, 100GB for €15, Fiber 600Mb + 35GB for €38
• Lowi (Vodafone network): 50GB for €8, 100GB for €10
• Simyo (Orange network): 50GB for ~€9, 100GB for ~€14
• O2 (Movistar network): 50GB for ~€10, 100GB for ~€15
• Digi (own/shared network): 50GB for ~€7, 100GB for ~€10

All prices include unlimited calls, 5G, and EU roaming. Prices as of February 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get internet in Spain without an NIE?

For prepaid mobile: Yes, you only need a passport.
For contract/fiber: Most operators require an NIE. Some budget operators may accept a passport temporarily for mobile-only contracts, but fiber installation typically requires NIE.

How long does fiber installation take?

Typically 3-7 business days after ordering. In major cities with existing fiber infrastructure in your building, it can be as quick as 48 hours. Rural areas may take longer.

Do I need to speak Spanish to set up service?

Not necessarily. Major operators and budget brands like Pepephone offer English-language websites and some English phone support. In-store, English proficiency varies—larger stores in tourist areas are more likely to have English-speaking staff.

Can I use my existing phone with Spanish SIM cards?

Yes, if your phone is unlocked. All phones sold in the EU are unlocked by law. US phones may be carrier-locked—check with your US provider before traveling.

What happens if I run out of mobile data?

Budget operators typically throttle your speed to 16-64 kbps rather than charging overage fees. You can still send messages and use basic apps, just slowly. You can also purchase additional data packages through the operator app.

Is there good internet coverage for remote work?

Excellent. Spain's fiber infrastructure is world-class, and major cities have reliable 5G. Most coworking spaces, cafes, and accommodations offer fast WiFi. For work-from-home, a basic fiber connection (300-600 Mb) handles video conferencing, cloud applications, and multiple devices without issues.

Can I keep my Spanish number if I leave Spain?

Yes, you can keep your Spanish mobile number as long as you maintain an active prepaid balance or contract and use the number periodically (at least once every 6-12 months, depending on operator). This is useful for receiving Spanish bank SMS verifications while abroad.

Which operator has the best coverage in rural Spain?

Movistar generally has the best rural coverage due to their legacy infrastructure. Budget operators using Movistar's network (Pepephone, O2) share this coverage. Check specific coverage maps for your area if you're living outside major cities.

Summary

Setting up internet and mobile in Spain is straightforward once you have your NIE and bank account sorted. For most expats, budget operators like Pepephone or Lowi offer the best combination of value, quality, and flexibility—with no contracts, 5G included, and prices starting at just €5-7/month for mobile or €38/month for fiber + mobile bundles.

Start with a prepaid SIM if you're just arriving, then switch to a contract plan once you've settled in and sorted your paperwork. With Spain's excellent fiber coverage and competitive market, you'll likely pay less for faster internet than in many other European countries.