How do I switch my phone or internet provider in Portugal?
Switching internet provider? The new operator runs the switch with your express consent and activates the service on the agreed date. Your old operator keeps serving you until then, any interruption may last at most one working day, and the old contract ends automatically.
Switching is mostly paperwork: the network stays where it is, only the company that provides your service changes. Who arranges the switch and how long the service may be down depends on the rules in Portugal.
📜 The rules in Portugal
The details
- In a bundle, these switching rules apply to every part of it. Prepaid internet: on request, your old operator refunds any remaining credit, and may charge only cost-based fees if the contract provides for them. (anacom-consumidor.pt)
- Still in a lock-in period? The old operator may charge an early-exit fee, capped at the lower of the benefit you received, in proportion to the time left, or 50% of the remaining monthly fees in year one and 30% in year two. (anacom-consumidor.pt)
- Your contract must state the time for the initial connection and the compensation you get if it is not met. If installation is delayed through no fault of yours, claim the compensation set in the contract. (anacom-consumidor.pt)
- Compare offers with COM.escolha, ANACOM's tariff comparator for TV, fixed and mobile internet and phone, alone or in bundles. Prices include VAT and are supplied by the operators that joined. (anacom-consumidor.pt)
ANACOM – Autoridade Nacional de Comunicações
Telecom regulator: explains your rights, receives every complaints-book complaint and can sanction operators. It does not settle your individual dispute and refers you to the consumer arbitration centres.
Centros de Arbitragem de Conflitos de Consumo (CACC)
Consumer arbitration centres that settle disputes with your phone or internet operator by mediation, conciliation or arbitration. Free for communications services; the operator must accept arbitration if you choose it.
🪜 Step by step
- Check your current contractFind the end of the minimum term, the notice period and any exit fee. They are in your contract summary or online account.
- Compare offersLook at the total cost over the whole term: set-up fees, equipment, and the price after any discount period ends.
- Sign with the new providerSay whether you want to keep your number. Ask the new provider whether it arranges the switch and the end of your old contract.
- Return equipment and check the final billSend back rented equipment if you are asked to, keep proof of it, and check that the old provider stops charging you.
📇 Who to contact
Sponsor this page → One labelled block, €100 a month. Founding price €75 until 31 January 2027.
❓ Questions
Will I be without phone or internet when I switch?
There can be a short break on the switching day. Ask both providers for the planned date, and see the rules for Portugal on this page.
Can I switch before my contract ends?
Yes, but while the minimum term is still running you may have to pay an exit fee or the remaining monthly charges. Check your contract summary first.
Do I have to cancel the old contract myself?
That depends on the service and the rules in Portugal. Ask the new provider and keep written confirmation of the end date.
📎 Sources
- anacom-consumidor.pt →
- anacom-consumidor.pt →
- anacom-consumidor.pt →
- anacom-consumidor.pt →
- anacom-consumidor.pt →
- anacom-consumidor.pt →
- anacom-consumidor.pt →
- anacom-consumidor.pt →
- anacom.pt →
- deco.pt →
🧭 Is this still correct?
We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.
⚠️ Readers report that something here may have changed — we are checking it.
✅ Thank you — this keeps the page up to date for everyone.