New rules for internet, mobile and telecom services in Spain

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1. Anyone can build a network or provide telecom services under free competition. You only have to notify the Register of operators beforehand, which depends on the National Markets and Competition Commission (Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia).
2. The universal service guarantees all consumers, wherever they live, access to broadband internet (minimum speed of 10 Mbit per second, to be raised to 30) and fixed-line phone service at an affordable price. Low-income consumers will get social tariffs.
3. The Government must take measures so that, within one year, everyone has access to broadband internet at 100 Mbit per second at affordable prices, regardless of where they live.
4. Switching providers is made easier: you keep your number, activation takes at most one business day, and service loss cannot exceed one business day. Delays or abuse entitle you to compensation.
5. Open internet access is strengthened: providers must treat all traffic equitably and cannot block or slow down content, except for legal, security or temporary congestion reasons.
6. Consumer contracts cannot last longer than 24 months, and if the provider changes the terms you can cancel at no cost. The law also regulates the information providers must give before signing and bundled contracts.
7. Calls to 112 are free and providers must give emergency services the caller's location. In addition, cell phones must be able to receive public alerts in case of disasters or emergencies.
8. Network deployment is made easier: operators can occupy public domain and private property, access gas, electricity, water or transport infrastructure, and spectrum licenses with a limited number of holders will last at least twenty years.

Who it affects

• Consumers and users of phone and internet services: They gain rights: guaranteed broadband, social tariffs, faster provider switching and better-protected contracts.
• People with disabilities: Equivalent access to services, to 112 and to the European harmonized numbers of social value.
• Telecom operators: They must register in the operators' register, comply with universal service, security and customer care obligations, and can be fined up to €20 million.
• Public administrations: They must facilitate network deployment, plan for infrastructure in urban planning, and decide permits within maximum periods of three or four months.
• Telecom installation companies: They must file a responsible declaration in the register of installation companies to operate.

Words worth knowing

Servicio universal (universal service)

A set of services (broadband internet and fixed-line phone) that everyone can demand regardless of where they live, at an affordable price.

Registro de operadores (register of operators)

A public list where companies notify before starting to provide telecom services. It depends on the National Markets and Competition Commission.

Dominio público radioeléctrico (radio spectrum public domain)

Radio waves (the spectrum), owned by the State and used through enabling titles such as concessions or authorizations.

Operador con peso significativo en el mercado (operator with significant market power)

A company with so much economic strength that it can act independently of competitors and customers, similar to a dominant position.

Declaración responsable (responsible declaration)

A document where you declare you comply with the law. Filing it enables you to operate, although the administration can check later and fine you if you lied.

It summarizes the law as published in the BOE. It is written by artificial intelligence and may contain mistakes: the official text is what counts. Read the official text · How we make summaries