Broadband services are those that allow the user, using a specific terminal (computer, mobile, television, etc.) have a permanent data connection and high transmission capacity.
Broadband services allow access to the Internet and are often marketed packaged with other telecommunications services, such as fixed telephone service and/or mobile telephone service, as well as television services.
In addition to the commercial offer available, in Spain basic broadband access at 1 Mbps is guaranteed from January 1, 2012, for any end user who requests it, having the consideration of universal service. Telefónica de España (Movistar) is the operator designated to provide the universal service, regardless of its geographical location. This universal coverage is provided, with technological neutrality, by a set of platforms that include both fixed network solutions, on physical carriers or on radio systems, as well as mobile network solutions.
Currently, Spain has one of the world’s largest fixed and mobile broadband networks. You can check the latest available official data on broadband coverage.
With the aim of achieving absolute coverage in the near future, the Government of Spain has been carrying out various actions to favor the extension of broadband, the most relevant being the Program of Universalization of Digital Infrastructures for Cohesion – Broadband (SINGLE-Broadband) and the New Generation National Broadband Extension Programme (PEBA-NGA), aimed at subsidising the deployment of broadband networks, the implementation of which is carried out through successive annual calls.
In addition, in compliance with Order ECE/1166/2018, of October 29, to January 1, 2020, the adjudicator mobile operators of the 800 MHz band must offer broadband Internet access of 30 Mbps to 90% of the inhabitants of municipalities and singular entities of population of less than 5,000 inhabitants. This percentage may not be less than 85% in any of the Autonomous Communities and Cities.
Thirdly, through the public business entity RED.es the Government of Spain offers public aid to subsidise the hiring of broadband services.