Tired of sluggish Wi-Fi? Spain moves to tackle slow internet with new law enforcing minimum speeds

SPAIN is moving to tackle slow Wi-Fi once and for all, with proposals for a new law that would rid the country of sluggish internet speeds. 

The government has proposed boosting the minimum guaranteed internet speed to 100 Mbps, a ten-fold jump from the current 10 Mbps.

The proposal comes from the Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Administration, which has begun a public consultation process for a new Royal Decree aimed at updating the Universal Telecommunications Service. 

If approved, the new rules would come into force on January 1, 2027.

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Officials say Spain would become the first European country to integrate this capacity within the framework of basic services guaranteed by law.

The change will be included in the proposed renewal of the Universal Telecommunications Service.

This service is designed to ensure that everyone, regardless of where they live, has access to fixed-line phone and internet services at a reasonable price and with minimum quality standards.

Another major shift lies in who is responsible for delivering the service.

Until now, Telefonica has held sole responsibility for ensuring coverage across the country. 

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Under the new proposal, that obligation would be extended to all telecom operators within their respective coverage areas.

The aim is to increase competition and give consumers greater freedom to choose their provider.

The plans also widen support for low-income households.

Recipients of the Minimum Living Income would be entitled to discounted tariffs, with operators required to offer at least a 25% discount. 

The ministry estimates this could help around 800,000 households.

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On top of that, companies will need to provide suitable devices for people with disabilities. 

Both operators and emergency services must also introduce real-time text systems by June 2027 for people with hearing or speech difficulties.

This would allow those with hearing or speech difficulties to communicate more easily, particularly in urgent situations.

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