The state owns roughly 50% of the telephone service operator Belgacom, which was liberalized in 1996. This public sector company is the only national provider of fixed telephone services, although Telenet offers competition in certain areas.

There is more competition in the market for specialized long distance and international services, and many expatriates sign up for these. A popular company offering discounted rates on long-distance calls is Phone-Plus.

There are three mobile phone providers.

Belgium has three internet providers offering ADSL services: Versatel, La Tribu and Talessa.

Cable internet is also available from the four cable TV providers.

Post offices are open from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m on Mondays to Fridays, with longer opening hours at some main city post offices, including Saturdays.

Broadcasting regulations are the responsibility of the two separate language communities. Terrestrial TV services as well as radio services are provided by both public and commercial broadcasters in French and in Dutch. The vast majority of Belgian households also subscribe to a cable TV service.

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