Taiwan – Internet

Who are the major internet service providers in Taiwan?

Six principal operators share Taiwan’s fixed broadband market: Chunghwa Telecom, FarEasTone, Zhongia (Homeplus), kbro, Taiwan Mobile, and Taiwan Broadband Communications (TBC). Each brings a distinct combination of technologies, coverage footprint, and price structures. Because tariffs are revised regularly, always consult the official website of your chosen provider to confirm current plans and availability at your specific address.

Chunghwa Telecom (HiNet) — As the dominant player in Taiwan’s fixed broadband sector, Chunghwa Telecom commands around 55% of the market. It delivers island-wide xDSL and FTTx services through its HiNet subsidiary and extends its network infrastructure to competing providers on a wholesale basis. Most newcomers gravitate toward Chunghwa Telecom thanks to its English-language customer support and comprehensive national coverage. Visit cht.com.tw for up-to-date plan information. Customer service can be reached on 0800-080-123.

Zhongia (Homeplus) — Operating under the Homeplus brand, Zhongia delivers cable broadband alongside pay-TV services and holds around 15% of Taiwan’s fixed broadband market. Its network spans Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Keelung, making it a compelling choice in those metropolitan regions, particularly where cable infrastructure is already well established.

kbro — kbro is a cable operator providing pay-TV and residential broadband through a network of smaller regional affiliates. Holding approximately 9% of the fixed broadband market, its services are concentrated in select urban and suburban zones — check the kbro website to determine whether your district falls within its coverage area.

Taiwan Mobile — Primarily recognised as a mobile carrier, Taiwan Mobile also offers home broadband packages, with plans including up to 30 GB of data and contract terms of two to three years. Its mobile network is widely praised for strong 5G performance. Visit taiwanmobile.com for the latest plan details.

FarEasTone (FET) — FarEasTone is the third of Taiwan’s leading trio of mobile operators and extends its services into home broadband, with a particularly strong presence in urban areas. The company has reported consistent growth in cloud communications and data analytics, reflecting a broadening focus across both enterprise and consumer segments. Current offerings are listed at fetnet.net.

Taiwan Broadband Communications (TBC) — TBC accounts for roughly 5% of the cable ISP market and concentrates mainly on regional service areas, typically pairing broadband with cable television. Check TBC’s website to confirm availability in your locality.

What types of internet connection are available in Taiwan?

Taiwan’s digital infrastructure is among the most advanced in Asia, underpinning everyday life, commerce, and public administration. The island boasts some of the continent’s highest internet penetration rates, supported by an extensive fibre-optic network, widespread 5G deployment, a series of international undersea cable links, and developing satellite backup systems.

Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH/FTTx) — Fibre connections have become the standard technology for residential broadband in Taiwan’s cities and suburban areas. Large-scale FTTH deployments began in the mid-2000s, as Chunghwa Telecom and other operators extended high-speed services into densely populated districts. Gigabit fibre plans are now widely available across the major metropolitan areas. Unlike parts of Western Europe where copper and fibre networks continue to coexist in significant proportions of the residential market, Taiwan’s compact urban housing stock accelerated a thorough FTTH rollout in cities such as Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.

Cable broadband — Cable internet, provided by operators including Homeplus, kbro, and TBC, offers an alternative to fibre — especially in areas where cable TV infrastructure was already laid. These providers offer broadband services through regional cable networks. While generally reliable, cable connections tend to offer asymmetric speeds, with download performance outpacing upload capacity compared with full-fibre options.

DSL (xDSL/ADSL) — Copper-line DSL remains available through Chunghwa Telecom’s HiNet service in locations not yet reached by fibre, though it is steadily being superseded by FTTx technology. DSL connections are most commonly encountered in older residential buildings or more remote localities.

4G/5G home broadband — All three of Taiwan’s leading mobile operators offer home broadband solutions using 4G or 5G as the primary connection medium. 5G services launched in July 2020, and by late 2022 5G population coverage stood at approximately 90% in urban and suburban zones and around 85% across the island as a whole. This technology is a practical stopgap for newcomers awaiting a fixed-line installation, or for households in buildings where physical cabling is not feasible.

Satellite internet — As of 2025, Starlink remains unavailable to general consumers in Taiwan. Taiwan’s telecommunications law requires service providers to maintain at least 51% domestic ownership — a condition SpaceX declined to accept — and talks between the parties broke down in 2022. In 2023, however, Chunghwa Telecom entered a multi-million-dollar agreement with Eutelsat OneWeb to introduce low-earth-orbit satellite coverage to Taiwan, and by October 2024 officials confirmed that OneWeb service would deliver 24-hour LEO satellite internet connectivity across the island. This capacity is principally directed at government resilience and enterprise continuity rather than individual households, though broader availability may develop over time. Satellite connectivity currently serves mainly remote island communities and disaster-recovery scenarios.

How fast and reliable is the internet in Taiwan?

Taiwan’s fixed broadband performance stands up impressively against global benchmarks. According to Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index for May 2024, median mobile download and upload speeds in Taiwan were 81.93 Mbps and 14.91 Mbps respectively, while fixed-line broadband achieved median download and upload speeds of 190.01 Mbps and 94.20 Mbps. For the most up-to-date figures, consult the Ookla Speedtest Global Index directly.

As of 2024, Taiwan’s median fixed download speed sits at around 198 Mbps (with a mean of approximately 137 Mbps). More than 45% of fixed broadband accounts enjoy speeds in the 100–500 Mbps range, and gigabit subscribers accounted for 13.5% of the total by 2022. Although Taiwan faces growing competition from other high-performing Asian markets in global speed rankings, these figures represent a consistently strong standard of service.

Residents of major cities — Taipei, New Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung among them — can expect fibre speeds that compare favourably with the fastest connections available anywhere in the world. In contrast, rural and mountainous regions may still depend on older copper-based DSL technology, with correspondingly lower speeds, though sustained government investment in rural broadband is progressively narrowing this divide.

On the mobile side, small-cell deployment, massive MIMO upgrades, and carrier aggregation combine to sustain median downlink speeds of close to 90 Mbps, placing Taiwan’s 4G and 5G networks among the stronger performers internationally. Chunghwa Telecom and Taiwan Mobile were recognised as joint leaders in mobile internet performance during 2024.

Service reliability is generally high across the main island, though a few infrastructure risks deserve attention. Taiwan’s international data traffic — more than 95% of it — flows through approximately 10 to 14 submarine cables, and the severing of the Matsu cables in early 2023 highlighted the vulnerability of this setup. The government has since made substantial investments in satellite backup capacity to reduce this exposure. Typhoons can occasionally trigger localised outages, particularly in eastern and southern Taiwan, though restoration is typically swift.

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

A large proportion of rental apartments in Taiwan already have broadband connectivity in place, and landlords generally do not levy additional charges for it. If you are moving into a furnished property, clarify with your landlord at the outset whether internet is included. If it is not, or if you are setting up a connection independently, the steps below will guide you through the process.

1. Check your address for provider availability. Coverage varies between buildings and districts, so not every provider serves every location. Before committing to any supplier, use the coverage checker on your preferred provider’s website — such as Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, or Homeplus — to verify which services and speed tiers can be delivered to your address.
2. Gather your documents. Applying for internet service requires an ARC (Alien Resident Certificate) or APRC (Alien Permanent Resident Certificate) together with your passport. These residency documents are issued by the National Immigration Agency. If you have recently arrived and your ARC has not yet been issued, you may need to rely on temporary internet options until your documentation is in order before you can sign a fixed-line contract.
3. Be aware of the guarantor requirement. Holding an ARC does not guarantee a smooth application at every provider. Some operators ask for a Taiwanese guarantor — a local resident prepared to co-sign your application — due to historical cases of subscribers departing without settling their bills. This requirement is not universal, but it is worth confirming with your chosen provider beforehand. Your landlord or employer may be willing to serve in this capacity.
4. Visit a provider store or apply online or by phone. To establish an internet connection in Taiwan, you will need to approach your chosen provider in person, supply two forms of identification, and arrange for a technician to activate your service. Chunghwa Telecom maintains an extensive branch network across the island and offers some English-language assistance. You can also reach Chunghwa Telecom’s customer service team on 0800-080-123, or use their website at www.cht.com.tw to check plan availability at your address.
5. Choose your speed tier and contract length. Standard residential agreements typically run for one or two years, with longer commitments attracting better rates. New customers signing a two-year contract are eligible for a NT$500 reduction on the initial line circuit connection fee (ordinarily NT$1,500) and a waiver of the HiNet system configuration fee (ordinarily NT$1,500). Confirm all current pricing directly with the provider before signing.
6. Schedule and wait for a technician visit. After your application has been processed and approved, the provider will arrange for a technician to attend your property and install or activate the connection. Appointments are generally available within a few days to a week of approval, though this may vary during periods of high demand.
7. Set up your router and go live. The technician will fit any necessary hardware — such as a modem or optical network terminal (ONT) for fibre connections — and confirm that the line is live. To optimise your speeds and strengthen your network security, acquiring your own router is advisable; if your property has an Ethernet port, connect it directly to the router using an Ethernet cable.

For newcomers yet to establish their residency paperwork, prepaid mobile plans are generally more accessible than postpaid options, since many mobile providers also require a Taiwanese guarantor for postpaid contracts.

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

Staying connected from the moment you arrive in Taiwan is entirely practical. Several reliable short-term solutions exist to keep you online while your home broadband is being arranged.

Prepaid SIM cards — SIM cards from Taiwan’s principal mobile operators are sold at arrival halls in both Taoyuan International Airport and Kaohsiung International Airport, as well as at convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) and operator branches throughout the country. The four major operators offering prepaid plans for tourists and new arrivals are Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, Far EasTone, and Taiwan Star. These plans typically come with generous data allowances and 30-day validity periods, making them well suited to the initial weeks after arrival.

eSIMs — If your phone supports eSIM technology, you can purchase and activate a Taiwan eSIM before your flight even departs. An eSIM is a digital SIM downloaded directly to your handset that grants access to the local network, with practical advantages over a physical SIM — no need for a SIM ejector tool and no additional physical slot required. Both international eSIM providers and local carriers such as Chunghwa Telecom and FarEasTone offer Taiwan-compatible eSIM plans.

Portable Wi-Fi devices (pocket routers) — Pocket Wi-Fi units can be hired at airports or ordered online from various providers. They tap into Taiwan’s mobile network and broadcast a local Wi-Fi signal to multiple devices simultaneously, which is particularly convenient when you are settling into a new home with several gadgets before your fixed line is up and running.

Public Wi-Fi — The government’s iTaiwan programme has created a nationwide free Wi-Fi network with over 10,000 hotspots, ensuring connectivity for both residents and visitors. Access points are found at government offices, public libraries, MRT stations, and communal spaces. Coffee chains such as Louisa and Starbucks also provide Wi-Fi that requires no account registration to use.

Co-working spaces and internet cafés — Co-working spaces across Taiwan start at around NT$2,500 per month and provide a productive environment with fast, stable Wi-Fi — a sensible base for remote workers while their home connection is pending. Internet cafés remain widespread in urban areas and offer an affordable option for occasional browsing or work tasks.

What does internet service typically cost in Taiwan?

By international standards, internet services in Taiwan are attractively priced. Compared with many Western nations, broadband and cable packages represent genuine value for money, and providers have not yet fragmented their offerings into the elaborate — and costly — tiered bundles common elsewhere. All figures cited below are indicative as of 2024; tariffs change frequently, so always verify pricing directly on official provider websites before subscribing.

Residential fixed broadband (as of 2024) — Entry-level plans offering download speeds of around 100 Mbps typically begin at approximately NT$499–NT$599 per month. Mid-range plans delivering 300–500 Mbps generally fall in the NT$699–NT$999 per month bracket. Gigabit (1,000 Mbps) fibre plans are available from Chunghwa Telecom and other carriers, with prices usually starting at around NT$999–NT$1,399 per month. Reported averages place a standard unlimited-access broadband connection at around NT$500 per month, with higher-speed tiers priced accordingly. For current plan details, visit Chunghwa Telecom’s broadband page or your preferred provider’s website.

Installation and activation fees (as of 2024) — Installation fees at most providers are capped at NT$1,500. Customers who commit to a two-year contract are entitled to a NT$500 discount on the line circuit connection fee and a full waiver of the HiNet system configuration fee. Terminating a contract before its agreed end date will typically result in a penalty charge, so review the terms carefully before signing.

Contract length — Residential contracts are usually structured over one or two years. Two-year agreements generally offer the most competitive monthly rates along with reduced or waived setup costs. Month-to-month arrangements may be available from some providers, generally at a higher monthly rate.

Mobile data plans (as of 2024) — Tourist-oriented prepaid mobile data plans with 30 days of validity start at roughly NT$300–NT$500. ARC holders on a prepaid monthly top-up of NT$499 can access a 22 GB soft data cap with download speeds exceeding 60 Mbps — more than sufficient for typical daily use. Unlimited postpaid plans from the major operators begin at around NT$499 per month; the widespread uptake of NT$499 unlimited packages has markedly increased data consumption among subscribers. For current tariffs, refer directly to Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and FarEasTone.

For an independent perspective on pricing and provider comparisons, the National Communications Commission (NCC) publishes regulatory guidance and consumer information on its English-language website.

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

Taiwan maintains one of Asia’s most open online environments. Freedom of expression on the internet is robust relative to many other jurisdictions in the region, and the government does not operate a large-scale censorship apparatus. Platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) function without restriction, presenting a sharp contrast to neighbouring countries where access to these services is entirely blocked.

There are no government-imposed barriers to internet access, and there are no credible reports of authorities monitoring private email or telecommunications outside lawful processes. Constitutional and legal provisions guarantee freedom of speech and freedom of the press, and these rights are respected in practice. An independent judiciary, a free media sector, and a functioning democratic system together form the institutional foundation for these freedoms.

A few nuances are nonetheless worth understanding. Government agencies have at times employed a mechanism known as the DNS Response Policy Zone (DNS RPZ), which has occasionally led to unintended website blockages. For instance, WordPress-hosted sites were briefly inaccessible during 2024, and a limited restriction on Telegram was also observed. These incidents appear to have been side effects of anti-fraud enforcement measures rather than deliberate censorship, but they demonstrate that occasional, short-lived access disruptions can occur.

The NCC actively monitors the security of the telecommunications sector and works alongside industry partners to address cyber threats, disinformation campaigns, and data security incidents. This focus is particularly significant given Taiwan’s geopolitical situation, which has made it a documented target for foreign influence operations seeking to shape public opinion.

VPNs — Personal use of VPNs is entirely legal in Taiwan and is widely practised, both for protecting online privacy and for accessing geo-restricted content from other countries. No legislation prohibits individuals from using VPN services, and many expatriates rely on them routinely to access streaming libraries from their home country.

Cybercrime laws — Taiwan has enacted legislation covering hacking, unauthorised data access, and internet fraud. These laws apply equally to foreign nationals. Expatriates should also be aware that using the internet for gambling, which is broadly illegal in Taiwan, carries its own legal risks.

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

Taiwan’s mobile network infrastructure is of a very high standard. By the fourth quarter of 2022, three principal mobile carriers — Chunghwa Telecom, Far EasTone, and Taiwan Mobile — collectively held approximately 89% of the mobile market, with 5G subscriptions numbering 6.71 million (around 22% of all devices) and 5G coverage reaching approximately 90% in urban and suburban areas and 85% nationally. A fourth operator, Taiwan Star (T Star), also operates, focusing primarily on 4G services.

By December 2024, total 5G subscriptions across all operators had surpassed 10 million, while roughly 19.5 million users remained on 4G packages. Even without a 5G-capable handset, you can expect strong and consistent 4G LTE coverage throughout virtually the entire island.

SIM registration for foreign nationals — Purchasing a prepaid tourist SIM requires a primary form of identification — such as a foreign passport (note that passports from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau require an Entry/Exit Permit instead) or a valid ARC — as well as a secondary ID, which may include an ARC, a Taiwan-issued driver’s licence, NHI card, or visa. Registration at the point of sale is compulsory; unregistered SIM cards are not sold in Taiwan.

eSIM availability — Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and FarEasTone all offer eSIM options for compatible handsets, including tourist and short-stay plans that can be purchased online before arriving in Taiwan. This approach is especially convenient for travellers who want seamless connectivity from the moment of landing, without having to queue at an airport service counter.

Using a home-country SIM temporarily — International roaming is technically possible in Taiwan, but costs depend heavily on the agreements your home carrier has in place. Because Taiwan is not party to any regional roaming arrangement comparable to the EU’s roam-like-at-home scheme, overseas subscribers are typically billed at a significant premium. For stays lasting more than a few days, a local prepaid SIM or eSIM will almost invariably be far more economical. Verify your home carrier’s Taiwan roaming charges before departing.

Postpaid plans for residents — Signing up for a postpaid mobile plan normally requires two forms of ID, at least one of which must be an ARC or APRC. As with fixed broadband, some postpaid providers may request a Taiwanese guarantor, which is why prepaid options are often the more convenient starting point for newly arrived expatriates.

Who regulates internet and telecoms services in Taiwan?

Oversight of internet and telecommunications services in Taiwan rests with the National Communications Commission (NCC), an independent statutory authority responsible for the regulation of telecoms and broadcasting. The NCC establishes service quality standards, allocates mobile spectrum, and enforces measures designed to protect consumers.

In functional terms, the NCC is analogous to bodies such as Ofcom in the United Kingdom or the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) — it serves as the central regulatory authority for all licensed telecommunications and internet service providers operating in Taiwan. Its responsibilities encompass licensing, spectrum management, quality-of-service benchmarks, and the protection of subscriber rights.

The NCC is also mandated to advance universal service, a framework that extends beyond traditional voice telephony to cover internet access and wireless broadband. This gives the regulator a statutory obligation to promote connectivity not just in cities but across the entire island, including rural and geographically challenging communities.

For expatriates, the NCC’s website is a valuable reference point for understanding your rights as a broadband or mobile customer, confirming that a provider holds a valid licence, and navigating the complaints procedure if a dispute with your ISP arises. The NCC’s English-language portal is available at ncc.gov.tw/english.

To encourage network operators to extend their infrastructure into rural and mountainous regions, the NCC periodically administers subsidy programmes. If you intend to live outside urban centres and have concerns about coverage quality, consulting both individual providers and the NCC directly is recommended.

The Taiwan Network Information Center (TWNIC) complements the NCC’s role by publishing annual internet usage surveys and penetration statistics, offering independently produced benchmarks on connectivity conditions across Taiwan.

Frequently asked questions about internet access in Taiwan

Do I need an ARC to get broadband internet in Taiwan?

Yes — securing a residential internet contract in Taiwan requires an ARC (Alien Resident Certificate) or APRC together with a passport. If you have only recently arrived and your ARC has not yet been issued, you will need to rely on interim solutions such as a prepaid SIM card, mobile broadband, or the connection provided by your landlord until your residency documentation is finalised.

Can I get a SIM card at the airport when I arrive in Taiwan?

Yes. Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and FarEasTone all maintain service counters in the arrival halls at Taoyuan International Airport. Data SIM cards are also sold at convenience stores and through online channels. You will need to present your passport to complete registration at the counter. If your device supports eSIM, you can purchase and activate a plan before you even board your flight.

How long does it take to get a home broadband connection installed?

After your application has been submitted and approved, a technician appointment can usually be scheduled within a few days to a week. From selecting a provider to having a live connection, the entire process typically takes one to two weeks, depending on technician availability and how promptly your documents are verified. Factor in additional time if locating a guarantor proves necessary.

Is internet service in Taiwan expensive?

Relative to many Western countries, broadband and cable internet in Taiwan is very competitively priced. Standard plans start at around NT$499–NT$599 per month (as of 2024), while gigabit-speed fibre plans are available from approximately NT$999–NT$1,399 per month. Since tariffs are subject to change, always confirm the latest pricing directly on the relevant provider’s website.

Are services like Netflix, Google, and social media freely accessible in Taiwan?

Taiwan does not operate a government-imposed censorship system, and major social media platforms — including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and X — are accessible without restriction. International streaming services such as Netflix and Spotify are also freely available, though the content libraries offered in Taiwan will differ from those in other markets.

Is it legal to use a VPN in Taiwan?

VPN use for personal purposes is fully legal in Taiwan. No legislation restricts individuals from deploying VPN services to safeguard their privacy or to circumvent geographic content restrictions. Using a VPN is a routine practice among many residents and carries no legal implications.

What is the best mobile operator for coverage in Taiwan?

Chunghwa Telecom and Taiwan Mobile were jointly recognised as the top performers for mobile internet in Taiwan during 2024. Chunghwa Telecom tends to offer the broadest geographic reach, particularly in rural and mountainous terrain, while Taiwan Mobile excels in 5G speeds within major cities. FarEasTone and T Star also provide dependable service in urban areas. For current independent performance data, refer to the Opensignal Taiwan reports or the Ookla Speedtest Global Index.

What should I do if I have a dispute with my internet service provider in Taiwan?

The National Communications Commission (NCC) is the independent statutory body charged with overseeing telecommunications and enforcing consumer protections in Taiwan. If your ISP has failed to resolve a complaint to your satisfaction, you can escalate the matter to the NCC via its website at ncc.gov.tw/english. Taiwan’s Consumer Protection Commission is an additional avenue for addressing wider consumer rights concerns.