Copper switch-off and fibre in Spain: your rights

The short answer

Spain has finished switching off the copper network: the last copper exchanges closed on 27 May 2025, in a process supervised by the CNMC. Fixed connections now run over fibre, fixed wireless or, in some cases, satellite.

Many countries are replacing old copper phone lines with fibre. Where an official plan exists, it sets how much warning you get and what happens to your contract; the plan for Spain is below.

Official source: blog.cnmc.es · Checked 2026-10-14

📜 The rules in Spain

The switch-off plan

Completed: according to the CNMC, the last copper exchanges in Spain closed on 27 May 2025.

The details

When exchanges closed, operators offered customers alternatives over fibre or radio, generally at no extra cost, and satellite in extreme cases. (blog.cnmc.es)
Operators can make this kind of change to your contract, but must give you at least one month's notice. (blog.cnmc.es)
Universal service: you can ask the designated provider for a fixed line with broadband of at least 10 Mbit/s. If it misses the 60-day deadline, you do not pay the monthly connection fee for each month or part of a month of delay. (digital.gob.es)

Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC)

Supervised the closure of the copper exchanges and published the list of exchanges being closed with their dates.

🔗 cnmc.es

Official source: blog.cnmc.es · Checked 2026-10-14

🪜 Step by step

Find out what your line isYour contract or provider can tell you whether you are on copper, cable or fibre.
Watch for a letterCustomers on lines that will be switched off are normally told in advance. Keep the letter.
Compare your optionsYou may be offered fibre or another connection. Compare price, term and speed before you accept.
Check special equipmentAlarm systems, emergency call devices and old phones may need to be adapted. Ask before the switch.

📇 Who to contact

Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC)Supervised the closure of the copper exchanges and published the list of exchanges being closed with their dates.🔗 www.cnmc.es

Ministerio para la Transformación Digital y de la Función Pública (Secretaría de Estado de Telecomunicaciones e Infraestructuras Digitales)Supervises phone and internet providers and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a provider that breaks the rules📞 91 945 89 74 🔗 usuariosteleco.digital.gob.es/derechos-usuario

OCU - Organización de Consumidores y UsuariosIndependent advice for consumersFor advice, template letters and a second opinion🔗 www.ocu.org

❓ Questions

Do I have to move to fibre?

When the copper line is switched off, you need another connection to keep your service. Which options you have depends on your address.

Does the switch cost me anything?

That depends on the plan and on the offers you get. Ask for any offer in writing.

Will my landline number still work?

Usually yes: you can normally keep your number on the new connection. Ask your provider.

📎 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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🌐 Is my copper phone line being switched off in Spain, and what happens to my contract?