Greece – Internet

Who are the major internet service providers in Greece?

The Greek telecoms market is shaped by a small number of dominant players, each offering a combination of mobile, fixed broadband, and television services. Knowing the strengths and coverage characteristics of each will help you make the right choice for your home or workplace.

Cosmote (OTE Group)
Operating under the OTE Group umbrella, Cosmote holds the leading position in the mobile sector, consistently achieving the highest average mobile download speeds in the country — typically between 63 and 71 Mbps — and topping rankings for overall mobile network experience. Cosmote is also a central player in the national 5G rollout and provides fixed broadband services, including VDSL and an expanding fibre network through the OTE Group’s FiberGrid initiative. It is Greece’s single largest carrier by subscriber base. Plans and coverage details are available at www.cosmote.gr.

Nova
Nova emerged from the 2023 combination of Wind Hellas and Vodafone Greece and is now the country’s second-largest operator, claiming 95% 5G population coverage and approximately 540,000 FTTH-connected premises by the close of 2024. Nova is also the leading name in satellite television in Greece, making its bundled packages particularly attractive for households wanting both broadband and TV from a single provider. Current plans and address availability checks can be found at www.nova.gr.

Vodafone Greece
Vodafone Greece operates a well-established mobile and fixed broadband network and was among the first operators to launch 5G services in Greece in January 2021, having committed more than €130 million to spectrum acquisition. Following the Wind-Nova merger, the consumer fixed-line business has been folded into Nova, but Vodafone continues to market mobile services under its own brand. Full details are available at www.vodafone.gr.

Satellite providers: Starlink and Hellas-Sat
Starlink, the SpaceX-operated satellite broadband service, fills a critical gap across Greece — particularly for remote areas of the mainland and islands where conventional wired infrastructure is absent or inadequate. Users commonly report download speeds of between 50 Mbps and 200+ Mbps, a transformative improvement over what legacy copper-based services can deliver in those locations. Hellas-Sat provides satellite connectivity under the “Hellas Sat Net” brand, with OTE — one of Hellas-Sat’s owners — distributing the service through its own channels. Pricing changes regularly, so always consult each provider directly for current rates.

Smaller and specialist providers
INALAN delivers high-speed fibre-optic access in Athens and Thessaloniki, with residential and business plans reaching up to 10 Gbps. WestBroadband is a licensed wireless ISP offering flexible, guaranteed-speed internet on a pay-as-you-go basis, making it a practical option for students and seasonal residents. Across the market, roughly 23 ISPs operate in Greece, so it is worth consulting the EETT website alongside independent comparison tools such as nperf.com to identify exactly what is on offer at your address.

What types of internet connection are available in Greece?

Several connection technologies are available in Greece, and your options will depend heavily on where you are based. The situation is improving rapidly in cities, but residents in rural communities and on smaller islands face a different reality.

Fibre to the Home (FTTH)
Fibre-to-the-Home — which delivers broadband via fibre-optic cables run directly into individual buildings — had reached approximately 40% of Greek households and businesses (roughly 2.5 million premises) by 2024. Actual uptake of fibre plans remains low, still in single-digit percentages, though this is expected to climb sharply as availability widens. PPC, Greece’s largest electricity company, has entered the market with its FiberGrid subsidiary and is targeting 1.7 million additional households. Where fibre is already live in urban areas, all major ISPs offer gigabit-tier packages with speeds of 500 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps.

DSL and VDSL
Despite the push for fibre deployment, DSL remains the most widely subscribed fixed technology in Greece today. Many customers have not yet migrated — whether due to limited fibre availability or cost — and this reality keeps the national average fixed broadband speed relatively low. VDSL, which delivers enhanced speeds over the existing copper network via street cabinets, serves as the most common intermediate step before full fibre reaches a given area. This gradual transition from copper to fibre mirrors patterns seen in other European markets such as Germany and Italy.

4G/5G Mobile and Fixed Wireless Access
By 2024, 5G network coverage had reached 99.60% of the Greek population, with at least 4G access available to 99.9% of inhabitants. Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) — which uses 4G or 5G mobile signals to deliver home broadband through a dedicated router — exists as an option in Greece, although it has not achieved the mainstream residential adoption seen in countries such as the United States.

Satellite
Starlink has been commercially available in Greece since Q2 2022 and currently represents the strongest solution for locations that lack any form of wired broadband access. The service has been highlighted as particularly welcome for homeowners and residents on popular tourist islands, where ageing telecoms infrastructure can buckle under the weight of seasonal visitor numbers. Starlink delivers an independent, sky-based alternative that bypasses those constraints entirely.

Urban vs rural availability
Cities benefit most from expanding fibre networks, yet overall fixed-line performance continues to lag behind some European neighbours. Large islands including Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and Santorini have solid 4G coverage and reasonable broadband access in their main towns. Smaller, more isolated islands — particularly those in the Cyclades and Dodecanese — often rely on older infrastructure, with speeds typically falling in the 5–15 Mbps range.

How fast and reliable is the internet in Greece?

Greece presents a sharp contrast between an impressive mobile network and a fixed broadband sector that continues to underperform relative to EU peers. Both are moving in the right direction, but the gap with the European average on fixed connections remains pronounced.

Fixed broadband speeds
Greece consistently occupies one of the lowest positions in the EU for fixed broadband performance, averaging 80.14 Mbps download according to the Ookla Speedtest Global Index for October 2025. For comparison, France surpasses 300 Mbps on average, while Greece is the only EU member state recording an average below 100 Mbps based on Ookla figures through Q3 2024. The median fixed download speed was approximately 62 Mbps as of January 2025, a figure that reflects the large proportion of subscribers still on sub-50 Mbps DSL or VDSL plans.

Mobile speeds
Greece’s mobile performance tells a very different story. Cosmote delivered the fastest average mobile download speed in 2025, reaching 110.1 Mbps. With 5G reaching 86% of the population by 2022 — already above the EU average of 81% at that time — Greece moved quickly and decisively on its mobile 5G buildout. In Athens and Thessaloniki, 5G downlink speeds of 150–300 Mbps are commonly achievable.

Latency and reliability
The lowest mobile latency in 2025 was recorded on the Vodafone network at 42 milliseconds. On 5G, ping times typically fall in the 20–30 ms range — not as low as what a direct fibre connection can achieve, but more than adequate for the vast majority of everyday tasks. The most common service-quality complaints among users relate to speed slowdowns and connection interruptions. Reliability is strongest in the Attica region (Athens) and Central Macedonia (Thessaloniki), where residents also benefit from the fastest average fixed broadband speeds.

Rural and island reliability
There are very few parts of Greece that are entirely without either a fixed connection or a usable mobile signal. However, fixed broadband quality on the islands can be inconsistent and disappointing in some locations. Starlink is progressively closing this gap. For current speed measurements and benchmarks, the Ookla Speedtest Global Index and nperf’s Greece coverage maps are useful references.

How do I get an internet connection set up in Greece?

Arranging residential internet service in Greece as a newcomer is entirely achievable, though it does require some groundwork. Most providers expect a minimum one-year commitment, and the connection process can take time. Working through the steps below will help you avoid unnecessary holdups.

1. Check availability at your address. Use the address lookup tools on the websites of Cosmote (cosmote.gr), Nova (nova.gr), and Vodafone (vodafone.gr) to establish which technology types — VDSL, FTTH, cable — can be delivered to your specific property. Availability can differ considerably between adjacent buildings on the same street.
2. Compare plans and choose a provider. The main providers compete on bundled packages that typically combine broadband, mobile, and television. Review current offers on each provider’s website and use EETT’s comparison resources at eett.gr to assess value. Take note of contract durations and early termination conditions before committing.
3. Gather your documents. You will generally need: a valid passport or national identity card; a Greek tax number (AFM — Arithmos Forologikou Mitroou), obtainable from any local tax office (DOY); documentary proof of your Greek address, such as a tenancy agreement or a recent utility bill; and, where relevant, a Greek residency permit for non-EU nationals. A local bank account is not always obligatory, though providers may apply a higher deposit for customers who cannot set up direct debit billing.
4. Sign the contract. Registration can be completed online, over the telephone, or face to face at a provider’s retail store. Staff at stores in major cities are often able to assist in languages other than Greek. Scrutinise contract terms carefully, paying particular attention to the cancellation policy in case your circumstances change before the contract period ends.
5. Schedule your installation. Fibre connections require a technician to visit the property. VDSL or ADSL connections over existing copper wiring can sometimes be activated remotely. From the date of signing, expect to wait one to three weeks for an installation appointment; rural areas and busy periods may extend this timeline.
6. Receive your equipment and go live. Your provider will supply a router or modem, either as part of your monthly fee or as an additional rental charge. Installation guides are typically in Greek; if you anticipate needing help, arrange for in-person technical support when booking your appointment. Verify that your connection is active and delivering the speeds specified in your contract.
7. Register your services. Many providers link your account to your mobile number, which simplifies account management and security verification. Record your account number and customer service contact details at the time of sign-up — they can be difficult to retrieve later if not noted down initially.

Note for non-EU nationals: If you do not yet have a Greek residency permit or AFM, some providers may request a larger upfront deposit or insist on an in-store application rather than permitting an online sign-up. Obtaining your AFM before applying is strongly advisable — it accelerates the process considerably. EU citizens can generally complete registration using their passport and proof of address alone.

Can I get internet access before my permanent connection is installed in Greece?

Staying connected from the moment you land is straightforward, with several dependable options available while you wait for your fixed line to be activated.

Prepaid SIM cards
Greece’s three mobile network operators — Cosmote, Vodafone Greece, and Nova — each offer a variety of prepaid SIM options. Cosmote’s entry-level prepaid plans begin at around €10 for 8 GB over a 30-day period, with a 15 GB plan available for approximately €15 (as of February 2026). SIM cards can be purchased at airports, provider stores, supermarkets, and authorised street retailers. You will be required to present your passport, as the operator must record a copy or photograph of your identity document to register the SIM — a legal requirement across the EU.

eSIMs
For those who would rather avoid presenting passport details in person, eSIMs from international data providers such as Airalo or Saily offer a fully digital alternative. Saily, for example, operates on the Cosmote network in Greece — the carrier with the broadest coverage on both the mainland and the islands. Activation is completed digitally and takes only a few minutes.

EU roaming
EU roaming rules allow most European SIM cards to function in Greece at home-country rates, which is a significant advantage for new arrivals from elsewhere in the EU or EEA. If you already hold a European SIM, it may serve your needs adequately during the initial period before your Greek fixed line is live.

Portable Wi-Fi devices
Pocket Wi-Fi units — also known as MiFi routers — can be hired from some telecoms retailers and travel equipment companies at major airports and city centres. These devices tap into the 4G/5G mobile network to create a personal hotspot capable of connecting multiple devices simultaneously, making them a practical solution if you are moving between addresses or working remotely while your fixed connection is being arranged.

Cafés, co-working spaces, and libraries
Athens and Thessaloniki both have a well-developed co-working scene, with many venues offering day-rate access. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in cafés throughout Greece, and a number of larger municipalities provide public wireless access in town squares and civic buildings. Outside the two main cities, co-working options become scarcer, making a prepaid SIM or pocket Wi-Fi the more practical fallback in smaller towns.

What does internet service typically cost in Greece?

Internet pricing in Greece is a notable concern for new residents, particularly on the mobile side. Fixed broadband costs are broadly in line with other EU markets, but mobile data offers poorer value for money than the European norm.

Fixed broadband
As of 2025, entry-level fixed broadband packages — typically VDSL delivering 24–50 Mbps — generally start between €20 and €30 per month. Mid-range plans offering 50–200 Mbps via VDSL or early-stage fibre are usually priced at €30–€50 per month. Where gigabit fibre is available, packages can reach €50–€70 or more per month. These figures are approximate — current pricing and promotional offers for new customers should always be verified directly on provider websites, as tariffs shift regularly. Most plans carry 12- or 24-month contract terms, with early termination charges that should be reviewed before signing.

Installation and equipment fees
New line activation or connection fees of €30–€60 are common, though providers frequently waive them during promotional campaigns. Router rental may be bundled into the monthly fee or charged separately at €3–€6 per month; alternatively, purchasing a compatible device outright is an option with some providers. Always clarify any one-off set-up charges before committing to a contract.

Mobile data
Mobile internet in Greece is notably expensive by European standards. As of 2024, Greece has the highest median gigabyte price for mobile voice-and-data plans that include at least 1,000 national calling minutes. Research conducted for EETT concludes that “in terms of value for money, Greece ranks weaker in data offerings compared to most of its peers.” The average price per gigabyte of mobile data remains the second highest in the EU — a figure that has been declining but remains well above the European average. Unlimited data plans account for fewer than one in four offerings on the Greek market.

Starlink
Starlink’s monthly plans, including lighter usage tiers, were priced at approximately €29–€40 by early 2025. An upfront hardware purchase is required. For current pricing and service availability at your address, check starlink.com. For authoritative and current cross-provider comparisons, the EETT official website is the recommended starting point.

Are there any restrictions or censorship affecting internet use in Greece?

Greece operates an essentially open internet in accordance with EU norms, and newcomers are unlikely to encounter the kind of state-directed censorship associated with more restrictive regimes.

Freedom of expression and open access
The Greek constitution enshrines freedom of speech and freedom of the press, and successive governments have broadly respected these principles in practice. Independent media outlets are active and represent a wide spectrum of opinion. Citizens may criticise public officials and government policy — publicly or privately — without facing legal consequences. There are no national-level blocks on social media platforms, VPN tools, messaging applications, or mainstream international websites.

Legal restrictions
Greek law does provide for prosecution of individuals who deliberately incite discrimination, hatred, or violence against people or groups on the basis of race or ethnic origin. The law also empowers prosecutors to order the seizure of publications that insult the head of state, offend religious sentiment, contain obscenity, advocate violent overthrow of the political system, or expose military secrets. These provisions are broadly comparable to legislation found across much of the EU and have limited practical impact on ordinary internet use.

Net neutrality
Greek regulations require internet access service providers to treat all lawful content, applications, and services on an equal and non-discriminatory basis. Practices that differentiate pricing or speeds based on specific applications — such as zero-rating content owned by the network provider — are prohibited. This framework is fully consistent with EU-wide open internet rules and places Greece in line with the prevailing European approach to net neutrality.

VPNs and privacy tools
VPN use is legal in Greece for legitimate purposes. Many expats and remote workers rely on VPNs to access streaming services from their home country or to protect their connections when using public Wi-Fi — both of which are entirely lawful activities. Employing a VPN to engage in illegal conduct remains unlawful regardless of the technology involved.

Copyright blocking
Under Greek copyright law (Law 5179/2025), courts may order the dynamic blocking of websites that host or facilitate access to infringing content, and individuals who knowingly access such material may face prosecution. These restrictions apply specifically to sites identified as carrying infringing material and have no bearing on regular browsing, streaming from legitimate platforms, or lawful downloads.

What should I know about mobile data and SIM cards in Greece?

Mobile connectivity is one of the genuine strengths of Greece’s telecoms landscape. Getting a local SIM is quick and affordable, and the following information will help you arrive prepared.

The main mobile networks
All three mobile network operators — Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova — have made significant investments in spectrum and infrastructure. Cosmote led the market across Q1–Q4 2024 for both download and upload performance as well as overall 5G experience. Vodafone distinguishes itself in latency, while Nova takes a lead in video streaming quality metrics. For most newcomers arriving in Greece, Cosmote provides the most consistent nationwide coverage, especially across the island groups.

SIM registration requirements
Purchasing a SIM card in Greece requires you to produce your passport. The mobile operator must record a copy or photograph of your identity document to complete the registration, after which you will receive a SIM with a Greek number in the +30 country code registered to your name and passport number. This requirement applies to both prepaid and postpaid SIM cards and is mandated under EU identity verification rules. Those who prefer not to register a physical SIM in person may find international eSIM providers a convenient alternative, though postpaid contracts with Greek operators require in-person registration regardless.

eSIM availability
Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova all support eSIM functionality on eligible devices for postpaid customers. International eSIM providers also offer plans on Greek networks. Confirm eSIM eligibility with your chosen operator, as supported devices vary.

Where to buy SIM cards
SIM cards are sold at airports — though typically at a premium relative to other retail channels — as well as at provider stores, electronics retailers, and supermarkets. In tourist-heavy areas, street vendors authorised by the networks also stock prepaid SIMs.

Roaming for EU SIM holders
Under EU “Roam Like at Home” rules, a SIM issued in any EU or EEA country functions in Greece at the same rates as at home, subject to your plan’s fair-use limits. If you already hold such a SIM, you may not need a separate Greek card for an initial period. Long-term residents, however, will generally find a local plan more economical than relying indefinitely on roaming allowances.

Who regulates internet and telecoms services in Greece?

The Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT) is Greece’s independent regulatory authority for all telecommunications matters. Its remit covers electronic communications, postal services, and — since 2024 — the domestic implementation of the EU’s Digital Services Act.

What EETT oversees
EETT is responsible for licensing ISPs and mobile operators, enforcing net neutrality obligations, monitoring competitive conditions in the market, managing radio frequency spectrum, and handling consumer complaints directed at service providers. The regulator publishes annual open internet reports and submits them to both the European Commission and the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC). EETT also exercises supervisory authority over providers of intermediary services under the Digital Services Act, bringing that segment of the market within a structured legal framework.

How expats can use EETT
The EETT website at www.eett.gr/en/ offers resources in English, including regulatory decisions, market analysis reports, and consumer rights guidance. If you have a dispute with your provider — whether over billing, service quality, or misleading commercial claims — you can submit a formal complaint to EETT directly. The regulator also publishes coverage data and market benchmarks useful for comparing providers ahead of signing a contract. For any question relating to your rights as a consumer of telecoms services in Greece, EETT’s website should be the first place you look.

In 2024, the Ministry of Digital Governance introduced the Smart Readiness voucher scheme, which subsidises the installation of fibre-optic cabling infrastructure within properties across Greece. Property owners considering upgrading their building’s internal wiring to support higher-speed broadband connections are encouraged to check whether they may qualify.

Frequently asked questions about internet in Greece

Can I sign up for broadband in Greece without a Greek tax number (AFM)?

In practice, the majority of major providers require an AFM to enter into a residential broadband contract, since it serves as the standard identifier for billing and official documentation. Obtaining your AFM at a local tax office (DOY) as early as possible after arrival is highly advisable. For short-term or prepaid arrangements, some operators may accept a passport alone, but for a standard 12- or 24-month agreement, having an AFM in hand will make the process considerably smoother.

How long does it take to get broadband connected in Greece after signing a contract?

VDSL connections that use the existing copper network can sometimes be activated within a matter of days. New fibre (FTTH) connections that require a technician visit typically involve lead times of one to three weeks, with longer waits possible during peak periods or in less accessible locations. Moving into a property that already has an active line may allow a faster account transfer than starting from scratch.

Is the internet fast enough for remote work and video calls in Greece?

Urban residents with access to fibre connections will generally have no difficulty supporting video conferencing, cloud-based collaboration, and high-definition streaming simultaneously. In rural areas and on smaller islands, speeds tend to be lower and less consistent — there is almost no location in Greece entirely without connectivity, but the quality of that connection varies considerably. If your work demands a reliable, high-speed connection, having Starlink or a 5G mobile link as a backup is a sensible precaution.

Are VPNs legal to use in Greece?

Yes, VPN use is entirely legal in Greece for lawful purposes. Accessing geo-restricted content, securing your connection on public Wi-Fi networks, or protecting your online privacy through a VPN are all permissible activities. As in all EU member states, employing a VPN as a tool to commit illegal acts remains a criminal matter regardless of the technology involved.

Which mobile network has the best coverage across the Greek islands?

Cosmote held the overall market leadership position through 2024, performing best across download speeds, upload speeds, and 5G experience. For island coverage in particular, Cosmote is generally regarded as having the widest reach across both major and lesser-visited islands. Well-known destinations such as Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and Santorini benefit from solid 4G coverage. Before visiting a less-frequented island, it is worth checking both Cosmote’s and Vodafone’s official coverage maps to confirm what signal is available at your intended location.

Can I use my home-country SIM card in Greece without paying roaming charges?

If your SIM was issued in an EU or EEA country, EU “Roam Like at Home” regulations entitle you to use it in Greece at your domestic rates, subject to the fair-use limits set by your home provider. If your SIM originates outside the EU, standard international roaming charges will apply — in which case purchasing a local Greek prepaid SIM or activating an eSIM on arrival is likely to be the more cost-effective solution for any stay beyond a few days.

Is satellite internet (Starlink) worth it for expats in rural Greece or on the islands?

Starlink provides a compelling alternative for areas of Greece — particularly remote parts of the mainland and smaller islands — where conventional wired infrastructure is limited or absent. Download speeds of 50 Mbps to 200+ Mbps make it a viable platform for remote work and streaming even where DSL performance is inadequate. The upfront hardware cost and monthly subscription are higher than a standard broadband plan, but the performance uplift in locations without fibre access is often substantial. For current pricing and a service availability check at your address, visit starlink.com.

Where can I compare internet providers and check my consumer rights in Greece?

The Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT) is the authoritative source, publishing market data, coverage information, and detailed guidance on consumer rights and dispute resolution. For independent speed measurement and coverage visualisation, Ookla Speedtest and nperf.com are widely used tools. Always confirm current pricing and service availability directly on provider websites before agreeing to any contract.