Lorraine Williamson
Spain offers a wide range of mobile and internet providers, from large, well-known companies to smaller, more flexible businesses.
While major operators like Movistar and Vodafone dominate the market, recent research suggests that smaller providers such as Parlem and Pepephone are gaining popularity among consumers.
Consumer ratings: The best telecom providers
A fast internet connection and good mobile coverage are essential for most people today. According to a survey of 13,000 users by the Spanish consumer organisation OCU, smaller providers tend to score higher in customer satisfaction than the large telecom giants.
For the second consecutive year, Parlem and Pepephone ranked at the top for both mobile phone and home internet services. In contrast, Vodafone and Movistar received lower ratings from consumers.
Mobile phone services: User satisfaction
Mobile phones play a crucial role in daily life, from navigation to streaming and communication. The survey highlights that Parlem, Pepephone, and O2 are the highest-rated providers for mobile services. These companies offer stable calling connections and fast mobile internet.
Simyo and Digi also received positive ratings. Meanwhile, major operators like Movistar performed moderately well, but they lag behind in customer satisfaction. Fi Network and Euskaltel ranked the lowest, indicating lower customer trust.
Home internet: Essential for daily use
With the rise of streaming services, gaming, and remote work, home internet has become indispensable. The survey reveals that 84% of Spanish households use fiber-optic internet, which provides reliable, high-speed connectivity.
Pepephone, Parlem, and O2 are the top-rated providers for home internet, with customers praising their speed and reliability. Simyo and Digi also scored well, while Orange, Vodafone, and MásMovil received lower ratings.
Although fiber-optic connections are preferred, larger operators struggle to provide the same quality of mobile 4G/5G connections as smaller providers.
The benefits of bundled packages
Many consumers in Spain opt for bundled telecom services, which combine mobile, landline, internet, and TV. Only 10% of users prefer separate subscriptions with different providers.
The most popular package includes mobile and landline phones, internet, and pay-TV. However, there is a growing trend of users choosing bundles that exclude TV and focus on mobile and home internet services instead.
Mobile data usage: What consumers prefer
Unlimited mobile data plans are becoming increasingly popular. The survey indicates that 35% of respondents now have an unlimited data plan, while 39% use between 11GB and 100GB per month. Only 6% use less than 1GB, highlighting a growing demand for reliable and high-speed mobile internet.
Why smaller providers excel
Parlem, Pepephone, and O2 consistently score high in customer satisfaction due to their flexible and consumer-friendly services. Larger providers, while offering extensive coverage, struggle to match the service quality of these smaller competitors.
If you are living in Spain or planning an extended stay, considering a smaller provider may offer better service at a competitive price.
Compare providers before choosing
For those searching for a new telecom provider, the OCU website offers a comparison tool to evaluate different plans and services. Whether looking for mobile, internet, or TV services, comparing options ensures the best choice for personal needs.
Also read: Top 5 mobile internet providers for those travelling in Spain