Phone & internetPT
Phone & internet · Portugal
Checked 2026-10-14

📡 Can I use my own router or modem instead of the provider’s in Portugal?

The short answer

EU open internet rules give you the right to use terminal equipment of your choice through your internet access service. Your operator must treat all traffic equally, whatever device you use, and contract terms may not limit this right.

Many people prefer their own router. Whether your provider must let you connect it, and which details it must give you to set it up, depends on the rules in Portugal.

Official source: anacom.pt · Checked 2026-10-14

📜 The rules in Portugal

The details

  • Equipment owned by the operator, rented monthly even if the rent is waived, must be returned when the contract ends; the operator must tell you how and what you pay if you do not. Equipment you bought is yours. (anacom-consumidor.pt)
  • Adding equipment or extra services from the same operator does not extend your initial lock-in unless you expressly agree at the time. (anacom-consumidor.pt)
  • Your contract must state the conditions for using terminal equipment, including any charges. (anacom-consumidor.pt)
  • A device locked to the network must be unlocked within 24 hours. Unlocking is free after the lock-in; during it, the charge is capped at 100%, 80% or 50% of the device's market value minus what you paid. (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.

📞 800 206 665🔗 anacom-consumidor.pt
Official source: anacom-consumidor.pt · Checked 2026-10-14

🪜 Step by step

  1. Check that it fits your lineMake sure the router supports your type of connection: fibre, cable, DSL or mobile.
  2. Ask for the access detailsYou need the login data and settings for the internet connection and, if you have one, for phone service over the internet.
  3. Keep or return the provider’s deviceAsk whether you must return a rented router, and whether you keep paying for it.
  4. If the provider refusesAsk for the refusal in writing and contact the regulator or the dispute body.

📇 Who to contact

ANACOM – Autoridade Nacional de ComunicaçõesTelecom 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.📞 800 206 665🔗 www.anacom-consumidor.pt
DECO – Associação Portuguesa para a Defesa do ConsumidorIndependent advice for consumersFor advice, template letters and a second opinion🔗 deco.pt

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❓ Questions

Will the provider still help me if something goes wrong?

Providers usually support the connection itself, not equipment you bought. Keep their device and settings so you can test with them.

Do I still pay for the provider’s router?

Check your contract. If the router is rented, ask whether you can stop paying when you use your own.

Will my own router make my internet faster?

It can improve your Wi‑Fi, but the speed of the line itself stays the same.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-10-14

🧭 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.

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