Andorra – Internet

Who are the major internet service providers in Andorra?

Andorra Telecom holds exclusive control over landline telephone, mobile telephone, pay television, and internet services throughout the principality — a complete telecommunications monopoly operated as a government-owned public company. This stands in stark contrast to the competitive multi-provider environments that characterise most European countries, where consumers routinely choose between several rival operators. In Andorra, every residential and business internet connection flows through this single state-run entity.

Founded in 1975, Andorra Telecom manages and exclusively operates, within Andorra’s borders, the full spectrum of telecommunications services — encompassing landline and mobile telephony, data transmission, internet, and ancillary or supplementary services, including international communications. Far from being a drawback, this monopoly structure has allowed the government to direct focused, systematic investment into infrastructure, yielding results that many larger nations would envy.

The operator’s service portfolio covers fixed-line telephony, Movistar Plus+ subscription television, mobile telephony, broadband internet reaching up to 1 Gbps, prepaid mobile packages, international roaming, and eSIM activation. For home broadband, Andorra Telecom provides tiered fibre options: Fiber 300 (300 Mbps symmetric) at €25/month, Fiber 700 (700 Mbps symmetric) at €35/month, and Fiber 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps symmetric) at €42/month — each with unlimited data and low latency. Always consult the official Andorra Telecom website for current pricing and plan details, since tariffs are subject to change.

You can register for service either in person at an Andorra Telecom customer service outlet or through their online portal. The principal customer service office is located at C/ Prat de la Creu nº 2, AD500 Andorra la Vella, open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 18:00 and on Saturdays from 09:00 to 14:00. The operator additionally offers prepaid temporary internet access, enabling customers to select specific months of service and renew the connection as required.

It is also worth noting that Starlink became available in Andorra by 2022, offering typical speeds of 50–150 Mbps, a hardware kit priced at around €249–€500, and a monthly subscription of approximately €49. Starlink functions as a supplementary or backup option rather than a replacement for the domestic fibre network — particularly useful for locations where dish positioning presents challenges.

What types of internet connection are available in Andorra?

Andorra completed nationwide FTTH (fibre-to-the-home) coverage by 2012, and the copper network was entirely decommissioned by 2016. This is a remarkable accomplishment for a small, rugged mountain country and stands in sharp contrast to many larger and wealthier nations that still struggle with patchworks of copper DSL, partial fibre, or mixed legacy infrastructure. In Andorra, there is no ageing copper to contend with — every property is connected via fibre optic cable.

In 2006 Andorra made a decisive commitment to fibre optic technology, and by 2013 had completed the infrastructure needed to deliver symmetric 100 Mbps fibre connections to every home across the territory, regardless of geography. Speeds have since been progressively expanded to offer 300 Mbps, 700 Mbps, and 1 Gbps symmetric tiers.

The symmetric nature of these fibre connections — meaning upload and download speeds are identical — is especially valuable for remote workers, video content creators, and anyone relying on cloud services or video conferencing platforms. Every home in the territory, however remotely situated, is served by the same FTTH infrastructure.

On the mobile side, Andorra’s network delivers 4G LTE coverage across approximately 98% of the territory. A 5G rollout began in December 2021 in Non-Standalone mode, with a target of 99% population coverage. Full standalone 5G capabilities — featuring a dedicated 5G core with ultra-high speeds and minimal latency — are expected to be in place by 2025.

For properties or locations where a fixed fibre connection is impractical, satellite internet via Starlink is available as an alternative. Starlink covers the entirety of Andorra’s territory, including high-altitude mountain areas, provided the dish has an unobstructed view of the sky. Given the country’s small size, if Starlink is viable at any one location, it is effectively viable everywhere within its borders.

How fast and reliable is the internet in Andorra?

Andorra’s fixed broadband speeds rank among the highest in Europe — a direct outcome of its all-fibre infrastructure and the symmetric nature of its connections. The country already had 300 Mbps symmetrical fibre broadband available to residents in 2017, progressing to 700 Mbps by 2018. Residential gigabit plans are today accessible at prices that remain competitive even by the standards of Europe’s most advanced telecoms markets.

Andorra broke new ground with its 2011 declaration of 100 Mbps internet as a universal service entitlement. Current residential plans stand at 300 Mbps (€25), 700 Mbps (€35), and 1 Gbps (€42) per month, with gigabit access having been opened to households in 2021 in response to growing remote working demand. For independent speed measurements and current performance data, the Ookla Speedtest Global Index publishes monthly fixed and mobile speed rankings by country. All specific figures cited in this article are as of 2024 and should be cross-checked against current data.

Mobile performance is similarly strong. Andorra Telecom’s 4G infrastructure achieves LTE coverage across 98% of the territory, and users report maintaining a reliable signal even when hiking in remote Pyrenean terrain. The country’s compact size — roughly 468 km² — combined with targeted investment has made near-universal coverage achievable with a relatively modest number of cell sites.

Reliability is generally excellent, owing to the purpose-built, government-owned network. A single operator responsible for the entire country’s fibre infrastructure tends to address outages efficiently, and there are none of the urban-rural reliability disparities seen in countries where legacy and modern infrastructure coexist. Even isolated rural properties share the same high-quality FTTH connection as urban ones.

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

Setting up a home internet connection in Andorra is a refreshingly uncomplicated affair. With only one provider to deal with, you skip the process of comparing multiple operators — the main decision is simply selecting which speed tier best suits your household. The steps below walk through the typical process for a newcomer establishing residential broadband.

1. Choose your speed tier. Visit the Andorra Telecom website and review the current fibre plans — 300 Mbps, 700 Mbps, and 1 Gbps as of 2024. Think about your household’s demands: a 300 Mbps symmetric plan comfortably handles the needs of most homes, while heavy users or those working remotely may prefer the 700 Mbps or gigabit tier.
2. Gather your documentation. New customers are generally required to present a passport or national identity card as proof of identity. You will also need to supply evidence of your address in Andorra, such as a rental agreement or a utility bill. Foreign nationals should have their Andorran residency permit (permís de residència) available, as this is typically expected when entering into a contract in Andorra.
3. Contact Andorra Telecom to sign up. Registration can be completed online through the Andorra Telecom website, in person at the customer service office in Andorra la Vella, or by calling their customer service line. Select the plan that meets your needs and proceed with the sign-up process. The website allows you to review available plans and their current pricing before committing.
4. Arrange installation. After selecting your plan, schedule an installation appointment with Andorra Telecom. A technician will visit your property to connect the existing fibre termination point to the network and install the required optical network terminal (ONT) and router. Since the whole country is already wired with fibre, installation is usually straightforward and does not involve laying new cable runs.
5. Go live. Once the installation is completed, you can connect your devices to the internet using the equipment supplied by Andorra Telecom. You will receive credentials to access your connection and manage your account through the online portal or the Andorra Telecom app.

Foreign nationals who have not yet received their Andorran residency permit may encounter some additional complexity, as certain contract types require confirmed legal residency. If you are still working through the residency process, a prepaid temporary internet package from Andorra Telecom makes a practical interim solution. Having a local bank account simplifies setting up direct debit payments, although card and online payment alternatives are also accepted.

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

Several practical options exist for getting online from the moment you arrive, before your fixed fibre line becomes active. For most newcomers, the simplest route is obtaining a local SIM card or eSIM from Andorra Telecom, which provides immediate mobile data access. As the country’s sole network operator, Andorra Telecom is the only option for local mobile connectivity.

Prepaid SIM cards are widely recommended for visitors and tourists to the principality. These can be purchased at any Andorra Telecom outlet. To obtain a physical SIM card, you will ordinarily be asked to present valid identification — typically a passport — along with some basic personal details as part of the registration process.

Andorra Telecom also supports eSIM for instant digital activation. Activating an eSIM before you travel is often the quickest way to ensure connectivity on arrival. Various international providers offer eSIM plans compatible with Andorra, which can be set up remotely on any eSIM-capable smartphone with an internet connection.

The government operates a network of free public Wi-Fi hotspots under the “Andorra Wi-Fi” banner, available in town centres, ski resorts, and public buildings as part of its commitment to digital inclusion. These are adequate for casual browsing and messaging, but as with any open public network, you should refrain from transmitting sensitive personal or financial information — passwords, identity numbers, and banking details should never be entered over unsecured public connections.

Andorra Telecom additionally offers prepaid temporary home internet packages, which provide a convenient solution for those in furnished rentals who need broadband before a permanent contract is in place. Current options and pricing for these packages are listed on the Andorra Telecom website.

What does internet service typically cost in Andorra?

Andorra’s broadband pricing holds up favourably against European benchmarks, particularly given the high speeds on offer. All residential fibre plans from Andorra Telecom include unlimited data and symmetric speeds throughout. As of 2024, the residential fibre tiers are priced as follows: 300 Mbps symmetric at €25/month, 700 Mbps symmetric at €35/month, and 1 Gbps symmetric at €42/month. These represent strong value in the context of Western European telecoms markets, where gigabit plans frequently command considerably higher monthly fees.

Business customers can access up to 1 Gbps symmetrical internet for commercial premises at €69 per month. This figure reflects pricing at the time of the relevant source and should be confirmed directly with Andorra Telecom, as business tariffs may have been updated since.

Mobile plan pricing includes options such as 30 GB of data for approximately €26 (Plan M) and 100 GB for €56 (Plan L); it is important to note that EU roaming is not included by default in these plans. These figures are drawn from 2022–2024 data and should be verified on the Andorra Telecom website for current accuracy. 5G mobile plans with unlimited data were available for around €25–35 per month as of 2025, though this too should be confirmed on the official site.

Despite gradual price reductions, Andorra remains among the more costly places in Europe for mobile services, whether for residents buying a local SIM or for visitors roaming from abroad. For those committing to a long-term residential contract, the overall value proposition is considerably more attractive. Installation charges and equipment rental fees for fixed broadband should be confirmed with Andorra Telecom at the time of sign-up, as these vary. The official Andorra Telecom website is the authoritative source for current pricing across all products and plans.

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

Andorra maintains a free and open internet environment, with no known government-imposed content filtering, website blocking, or censorship of online platforms. International streaming services, social media networks, and news websites are all freely accessible. This broadly reflects the open internet values upheld by democratic European states.

While Andorra is not a member of the European Union and therefore operates under its own independent legal framework, its practical approach to internet freedom is closely aligned with that of its EU neighbours, Spain and France. There is no national firewall, no mandatory filtering system, and no government suppression of online content or political speech.

The use of VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) is fully legal and unrestricted in Andorra. VPNs are widely used by residents and remote workers for privacy, security, and accessing geo-restricted content from their home countries. Using a VPN is also a sensible precaution on public Wi-Fi networks, helping to prevent data interception.

From a data protection perspective, the Andorran Agency for Data Protection (APDA) oversees the privacy and personal data rights of individuals in Andorra. It enforces the national Data Protection Law and ensures compliance with international data protection standards. Residents should be aware that Andorra’s data protection framework is broadly compatible with, but not identical to, the EU’s GDPR. The APDA is the appropriate body to approach with any data privacy concerns.

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

As the exclusive provider of internet, fixed telephony, mobile telephony, and television services in Andorra, Andorra Telecom operates as a complete telecoms monopoly within the principality. For mobile users, this means there is a single network to connect to. Coverage quality is high: the mobile network reaches 99% of the population, with internet coverage extending to 95% of the territory.

One of the most critical things for newcomers to grasp is the roaming situation. Andorra sits outside the EU and EEA, meaning the international roaming regulations that took effect across the EU from June 2017 do not extend to it. Roaming charges are neither capped nor regulated in Andorra, and costs can be substantially higher than those within the EU zone. While a handful of European providers treat Andorra the same as EU destinations, the vast majority apply significant surcharges to usage while roaming there.

The practical takeaway: arriving in Andorra with an EU-issued SIM card and assuming your “roam like at home” entitlement applies is likely to result in an unwelcome bill. Always verify your home provider’s Andorra roaming policy before travel, or plan to purchase a local SIM. Options include checking with your EU/EEA provider in advance, connecting to a French or Spanish operator where available at the border, or simply buying a local SIM card on arrival.

Mobile services from Andorra Telecom are offered in both prepaid and contract formats. Prepaid cards are the recommended choice for visitors and tourists, given that there is no automatic roaming or call routing in Andorra by default. Residents on longer stays will typically find contract plans offer better overall value. A valid ID — usually a passport — is required to register for a SIM card.

eSIM activation is supported by Andorra Telecom, making digital SIM setup an increasingly convenient option for newcomers with compatible smartphones. The process can often be completed before or immediately upon arrival, removing the need to visit a physical store. To activate an Andorra Telecom eSIM: purchase a plan and obtain the QR code; ensure your device is running the latest software and supports eSIM; on iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add Mobile Plan and scan the QR code; on Android, go to Settings > Connections > SIM cards > eSIM and scan the QR code.

Since its December 2021 launch, 5G has been progressively rolling out and is accessible on prepaid plans. For the most up-to-date prepaid and contract pricing, visit the Andorra Telecom mobile telephony page.

Who regulates internet and telecoms services in Andorra?

The telecommunications sector in Andorra functions under a distinctive arrangement. Since Andorra Telecom is a state-owned public company, it is directly accountable to both the Andorran Government and the General Council — the country’s national parliament. A board of directors is responsible before the General Council for the management, direction, and representation of the service, as well as the administration of its assets and resources.

The Andorran Telecommunications and Post Authority (ATPA) serves as the regulator for telecommunications and postal services in Andorra. It promotes fair market conduct, encourages innovation, and protects consumer interests. Given that Andorra Telecom functions as a government-owned monopoly, the regulatory dynamic differs considerably from independently regulated multi-operator markets elsewhere in Europe, where a separate regulator typically oversees a field of competing providers.

The legal framework governing telecoms infrastructure in Andorra includes the Decree of 12-01-2011 — which approved the general standards applicable to the universal service of access to internet by optical fibre at 100 Mbps — and the Decree of 23-12-2020 approving the Regulation on telecommunications infrastructures in the Principality of Andorra. These instruments define the statutory context within which Andorra Telecom operates and set out the rights and entitlements of consumers.

For data protection matters, the Andorran Agency for Data Protection (APDA) is the relevant authority. Expats with concerns about how their personal data is being handled by telecoms providers or any other organisation in Andorra can find guidance and complaint procedures on the APDA website. For telecoms-specific consumer disputes, the first port of call is Andorra Telecom directly; escalation channels are outlined in the applicable regulatory decrees and on the official Andorra Telecom website.

For coverage maps, current plan information, and service details, the primary official resource remains the Andorra Telecom website. For independent speed benchmarks, the Ookla Speedtest Global Index publishes monthly updated data by country and provides a reliable reference point for verifying real-world network performance.

Frequently asked questions

Is there more than one internet provider in Andorra?

Andorra Telecom is the sole provider of internet, fixed telephony, mobile telephony, and television services in Andorra, holding a full telecommunications monopoly. Unlike the competitive broadband markets found across most of Europe, there are no rival operators to choose between. That said, satellite internet via Starlink is available as a supplementary or backup option, operating independently of Andorra Telecom’s fixed network.

Do I need a residency permit to get a broadband contract in Andorra?

Taking out a long-term residential contract with Andorra Telecom generally requires proof of identity and a verified Andorran address. A residency permit lends weight to your application, but newcomers who are still working through the residency process can usually substitute a rental agreement or comparable proof of address. Andorra Telecom also offers prepaid temporary internet access — a handy interim solution while residency documentation is being finalised.

Will my EU SIM card work normally in Andorra?

Andorra falls outside the EU and EEA, which means the EU roaming regulations introduced in June 2017 do not apply. Roaming charges in Andorra are unregulated and can far exceed what you would pay within the EU zone. Many European providers apply steep surcharges for Andorra usage, so verifying your home operator’s Andorra policy before arrival is strongly advised. Purchasing a local SIM or eSIM from Andorra Telecom is frequently the more economical choice for any stay of meaningful duration.

What are typical broadband speeds in Andorra?

Residential fibre plans deliver 300 Mbps, 700 Mbps, and 1 Gbps symmetric connections — all with unlimited data. The symmetric design means upload and download speeds are equal, which is particularly advantageous for video calls, live streaming, and cloud-based work. These figures are as of 2024; for current performance data, consult the Andorra Telecom website or the Ookla Speedtest Global Index.

Is internet censored or restricted in Andorra?

No. Andorra’s internet environment is free and open, with no known government-imposed content filtering or platform blocking. VPN use is completely legal and unrestricted, giving residents full flexibility to protect their privacy or access content from their country of origin. The overall approach to online freedom mirrors that of neighbouring EU member states France and Spain.

How do I get online immediately when I arrive in Andorra?

The two fastest routes to connectivity on arrival are activating an eSIM ahead of your trip or purchasing a physical SIM card once you land. The government also operates a network of free public Wi-Fi hotspots in urban centres, ski resorts, and public buildings. For reliable connectivity beyond light browsing, a local SIM or eSIM from Andorra Telecom is the most dependable short-term option. A valid passport is required when buying a physical SIM card.

Can I use Starlink in Andorra?

Starlink covers the entirety of Andorra’s territory, including high mountain areas, as long as the dish has an unobstructed view of the sky. Given the country’s small size, if Starlink works at one location it is practically available everywhere — even a remote mountain property can be connected provided it has power and a Starlink kit. As of 2024, the monthly subscription stands at approximately €49, plus the upfront cost of the hardware. This makes it a useful complement or fallback to the fixed fibre network.

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

Since the entire country is already equipped with fibre-to-the-home infrastructure, installation rarely involves laying new cable. The typical process consists of connecting your property’s existing fibre termination point to the network and fitting the router and optical network terminal (ONT) supplied by Andorra Telecom. Actual installation lead times vary; contact Andorra Telecom directly through their contact page for current appointment availability, as wait times fluctuate with demand and season.