Spain to Enforce Mandatory 100 Mbps Internet Speeds by Law from January 2027

Spain Proposes Europe's Toughest Guaranteed Broadband Law

Spain is moving to become the first European country to legally guarantee minimum broadband speeds to all citizens, with the government proposing a new Royal Decree that would set a minimum guaranteed internet speed of 100 Mbps. The rules would take effect from January 1, 2027.

The proposal, initiated by the Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Administration as part of a public consultation process to update the Universal Telecommunications Service, represents a tenfold increase on the current minimum standard of just 10 Mbps.

If passed into law, officials say Spain would become "the first European country to integrate this capacity within the framework of basic services guaranteed by law."

From 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps — Why It Matters

The existing 10 Mbps minimum was set when internet use looked very different. In 2026, streaming video, video calls, smart home devices, remote working and online education have all become routine — and 10 Mbps is simply not enough to support modern digital life reliably, particularly in households with multiple users or devices.

At 100 Mbps, a household can comfortably:

• Stream 4K video on multiple devices simultaneously
• Run video calls without interruption
• Support remote working and home office setups
• Connect smart TVs, phones, tablets and smart home devices without throttling

For Spain's rural and semi-rural communities — including many of the areas popular with British expats across the costas and inland regions — the guarantee of a legal minimum could drive investment in infrastructure that market forces alone have not delivered.

All Operators Now Covered — Not Just Telefónica

Under the current framework, Telefónica holds the sole legal obligation to ensure nationwide coverage as the designated universal service provider. The proposed new law would extend that obligation to all telecom operators within their respective service areas.

This is a significant change. It means that providers such as Vodafone, Orange, MásMóvil and others operating in Spain would be legally required to meet the 100 Mbps minimum within the areas they serve — increasing competition and giving consumers more options if their current provider fails to deliver.

Discounts for Low-Income Households

The proposed law includes specific protections for households on lower incomes. Residents receiving the Ingreso Mínimo Vital (IMV) — Spain's Minimum Living Income benefit — would qualify for discounted tariffs on broadband services. Operators would be required to offer at least a 25% discount to eligible households.

The Ministry estimates that approximately 800,000 households across Spain would benefit from this provision — a meaningful number of families for whom the cost of a reliable internet connection is currently a barrier.

Accessibility Provisions

The draft decree also includes important measures for people with disabilities:

• Telecom operators must provide suitable devices for people with disabilities as part of their universal service obligations
• Real-time text (RTT) systems — which allow people with hearing or speech difficulties to communicate via text in real time, including during emergency calls — must be in place by June 2027. This is particularly significant for accessing emergency services such as 112

Timeline

• Now: Public consultation underway on the proposed Royal Decree
• January 1, 2027: New 100 Mbps minimum speed requirement takes effect
• June 2027: Real-time text services for hearing and speech-impaired users must be operational

What This Means for Residents and Expats in Spain

For anyone living in Spain — including the large British expat community across Alicante, Malaga, Valencia and beyond — this law would represent a significant improvement in baseline service guarantees. Those in rural or coastal areas where speeds currently fall well below 100 Mbps would have legal recourse if their provider fails to meet the new minimum.

It is worth noting that the consultation process is still ongoing and the final form of the law may differ from the proposal. However, the direction of travel is clear: Spain is committed to making fast broadband a legal right rather than a market-dependent privilege.

This article is based on reporting from The Olive Press, published April 22, 2026. The proposed law is subject to consultation and legislative process before taking effect.