Internet Access in Portugal

Internet Providers in Portugal

Internet access in Portugal is improving dramatically and is already remarkably good. Portugal has a good network of private internet cafes throughout the country meaning you can keep in touch with loved ones, up date your blogs or log onto the latest weather forecasts if you are visiting on holiday.

However Portugal also has a government funded public service, Espaço Internet, which allows free access to the internet to anyone in Portugal. Whether you are on holiday, business or living in Portugal you can surf the net for free.

To day there are more than 600 Espaços throughout Portugal and the aim to provide free access to multimedia computers and the Internet to citizens all over Portugal. In all the Internet Spaces, trained personnel assure permanent support to users, and assume a very important role of social mediators to computer and Internet technology in local, and frequently remote, communities. Most of them have at least one working station specially equipped for accessibility to the handicapped.

These spaces, some tailored to specific target groups of citizens, are being made available through different public funding lines. The creation of Internet Spaces started in 1999. The goal is to reach a total of 1,000 spaces by the end of 2007.

For a list of all Espaço locations in Portugal, click on the link on the left. Some are located within libraries, while others have their own designated 'cafes'.

Broad Band (adsl) access in Portugal

One of the main concerns many people have when they are thinking of moving to, or purchasing property in Portugal is the availability of broadband internet connection.

Broadband (banda larga) is widely available in most cities and large towns in Portugal. However in more rural locations it is best to double check availability with the internet provider before signing a contract.

If you already have a landline telephone connection installed you can check availability using an interactive map from Portugal's telephone company PT (see Portugal telecom link). Most internet service providers will require you to sign up to a minimum year contract.

Broad Band Satellite Internet in Portugal

Broad band satellite internet is relatively new in Portugal though effective if you cannot get a mobile signal or land line installed. Broad band satellite internet does not rely on telephone lines for connection. Although broad band satellite can be a little more expensive to install it is reliable and doesn't matter where you are located.

To get broad band satellite internet you will need a special satellite dish, which can be erected on your property discreetly, along with a receiver box. Wireless routers can be included in the system to ensure you have internet access around the house for more than one computer or laptop. For more information on broad band satellite internet access take a look at: www.broadbandportugal.co.uk or www.broadbandalgarve.co.uk

Mobile Broadband Providers in Portugal

Due to Portugal's geographical size and population spread it is often used by mobile and internet technology companies as a testing ground for new products. As such there are many internet gadgets on the market in Portugal long before they reach the shelves in the United Kingdom.

For the past few years mobile broadband connection has been available and is a smart choice for people on the move. Utilising mobile phone technology it allows internet access on the move. Instead of signing up to a static internet provider, using this mobile technology allows you to take your internet connection with you if you move, ideal if you are looking to rent a property in Portugal before purchasing a place here.

WiFi in Portugal

Portugal has a vast network of Wifi Hotspots throughout the country in a variety of locations including train stations, hotels, football grounds, service stations and airports meaning you can log on with your laptop even without plugging in.