If you’re thinking of moving out to Portugal or going there for a working holiday, you might want to
know what the internet speeds are like out there – and how expensive it is. Here are all the answers
(and a little bit more too)
Internet in Portugal
Over in Portugal, fibre optic broadband is known as ‘internet fixa’ or ‘banda larga’. It’s available all
throughout the country, and most people can get it to their property. There are about 25% of the
population who still rely solely on satellite or mobile internet. Travellers who are visiting on holiday
from Great Britain might benefit from installing a UK VPN on their device or laptop to enhance their
speed and experience online.
However, in the biggest towns and cities, fibre is ready to go and it offers speeds of up to 1 Gbps.
This means it’s in line with pretty much all other European countries at the time of writing. However,
some areas of the country can get much higher speeds of up to 10 Gbps – though in truth it’s
probably closer to 8 Gbps).
Put simply, the internet in Portugal is as good as anywhere else that has a decent connection, and
for many, it’s often cheaper to run too. Of course, it does depend on the package you decide on – but
for a typical broadband plan that encompasses a TV and a landline, prices are very competitive.
Does location affect internet speed in Portugal?
As with anywhere else in the world, the speed of your internet connection might depend on where
you are in the country. Here are some facts. Fibre broadband is open to most towns and cities in
Portugal, and if you have it the minimum speed you can expect is 1 Gbps.
If there is broadband available, you must check that it will definitely be accessible at your property.
In some cases, a town can have internet but the cables might not reach much further than a
kilometre or so out of town. If you’re a digital nomad on a working holiday, this might cause issues!
Sometimes, ISPs might offer their services on one street, but not another in exactly the same area so
it’s important to check that out too. If you’re in an apartment block, usually there will only be a
choice of one ISP and you won’t be able to select your own.
Choosing an internet package in Portugal
It’s common to buy an internet bundle that has all your entertainment options included – so your TV,
landline, and mobile phone too. It’s worth considering all three (or as many as you can afford) as
many packages typically offer free international calls from a landline and sometimes this can also
apply to both landlines and mobiles (though please check with the provider’s individual terms and
conditions). This means calling people is a whole lot easier, as there’s no Zoom or Skype involved for
those people who might be a bit more tech-phobic!
Internet speeds in Portugal are pretty good – and reliable, though the onus is on you to check that
wherever you’re going to stay, there is a connection and that you can hook all your devices up
securely!
In major urban areas, residents can access speeds up to 1 Gbps, aligning Portugal with other European nations in terms of internet performance. Notably, certain regions offer even higher speeds, reaching up to 10 Gbps, though typical performance is around 8 Gbps.
However, the article points out that approximately 25% of the population, particularly in rural areas, still depend on satellite or mobile internet services. This disparity underscores the importance of verifying service availability when considering relocation, especially for those planning to reside outside urban centers.
On the cost front, Portugal offers competitive pricing for broadband packages, often bundling services like television and landline, which can be more economical compared to other European countries. For travelers, especially those from the UK, the article suggests using a VPN to enhance online experiences, ensuring access to familiar content and services.