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

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

The short answer

Through your internet service you have the right to use the terminal equipment of your choice, and price, data or speed terms in your contract may not limit that right (art. 76 Ley 11/2022).

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 Spain.

Official source: boe.es · Checked 2026-10-14

📜 The rules in Spain

The details

  • When your contract ends, or you leave early with the right to do so, any condition preventing use of included devices on other networks must be removed free of charge, at the latest once any compensation is paid (art. 67.10). (boe.es)
  • Internet providers must treat all traffic equally, whatever terminal equipment you use; traffic management must be transparent, non-discriminatory and proportionate. (boe.es)
  • Connecting equipment that has not passed conformity assessment and that damages the network can cost you your right to outage compensation. (usuariosteleco.digital.gob.es)

🪜 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

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

Sponsor this page → One labelled block, €100 a month. Founding price €75 until 31 January 2027.

❓ 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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