Phone & internetES
Phone & internet · Spain
Checked 2026-10-14

🤝 Is there a social tariff or cheaper phone and internet for people on a low income in Spain?

The short answer

The Abono Social gives retired people and pensioners on low family incomes a discount on a fixed phone line from the designated universal-service provider, Telefónica de España (Movistar): 70% off the connection fee and 95% off the monthly line fee.

Some countries have a social tariff or other support so that people on a low income can afford a phone and internet connection, and many guarantee a basic connection. What exists in Spain is below.

Official source: digital.gob.es · Checked 2026-10-14

📜 The rules in Spain

The scheme

Abono Social

Who qualifies

Retired people and pensioners whose family income does not exceed 120% of the IPREM, Spain's public income reference indicator.

The details

  • The law requires all operators of fixed broadband and voice services to offer special tariff options to consumers on low incomes or with special social needs; who qualifies is to be set by royal decree (art. 38 Ley 11/2022). (boe.es)
  • A draft royal decree published in April 2026 would extend reduced tariffs to people receiving the Ingreso Mínimo Vital and raise the universal-service minimum speed from 10 to 100 Mbit/s, from 1 January 2027 if adopted. (digital.gob.es)
  • Universal service: anyone can ask the designated provider for a fixed connection with phone and broadband of at least 10 Mbit/s, which must be supplied within 60 days, by cable or radio. (digital.gob.es)
  • The CNMC reported in January 2025 that Telefónica would be designated as universal-service provider for 2025 and 2026, directly, because no candidates came forward in the consultation held before a tender. (cnmc.es)

Oficina de Atención al Usuario de Telecomunicaciones

Complaints you could not settle directly with the designated universal-service provider can go to the Oficina.

📞 91 945 89 74🔗 usuariosteleco.digital.gob.es
Official source: digital.gob.es · Checked 2026-10-14

🪜 Step by step

  1. See what existsThe schemes and rights in Spain are listed on this page, with who qualifies.
  2. Check whether you qualifySupport is often linked to benefits, age, disability or income. Have proof ready.
  3. Apply or ask your providerSome schemes need an application; others are offered through the providers.
  4. Look for cheaper plansBasic plans, prepaid SIMs and mobile internet can cost less than a full package.

📇 Who to contact

Oficina de Atención al Usuario de TelecomunicacionesComplaints you could not settle directly with the designated universal-service provider can go to the Oficina.📞 91 945 89 74🔗 usuariosteleco.digital.gob.es/reclamaciones/telefonia-e-internet
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

Is there a right to a basic internet connection?

Many countries guarantee a basic connection at an affordable price. The rule for Spain, if there is one, is on this page.

Do I have to apply?

Usually yes. The details for Spain are on this page.

Can I get help with a debt to my provider?

Ask the provider for a payment plan, and contact free debt advice before your line is cut off.

📎 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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