The Government will force operators to offer 100 Mbps universal from 2027

The Government is completing a key reform of the Universal telecommunications service which will completely change its operation from 2027. The new framework will raise the Guaranteed minimum speed up to 100 Mbpswell above the current 10 Mbps, and will force all operators to offer this service in their coverage area.

With this movement, Government of Spain seeks to modernize a system that had been lagging behind the real needs of users for years, beyond forcing operators to offer 10 Mbps, which is far behind current demands. In addition, it aims to convert Internet access into a more useful service adapted to current technologies and needs.

The Universal Service will increase to 100 Mbps and will be extended to all operators

The new regulation, which will come into force on January 1, 2027is part of a Royal Decree in a public consultation process promoted by the Ministry for Digital Transformation. Until now, universal service was in the hands of Telephonebut with this change all operators will be obliged to offer it within its coverage area.

This will also increase competition between operators and improve the offer available to users of this type of services. It is also intended that citizens have more freedom when choosing a supplier and not be obligated to a single company.

Since 2005, this service has guaranteed that any citizen can access landline telephony and the internet, although in practice it had remained a residual option. The evolution has been slow, going from barely 1 Mbps a few years ago to the current 10 Mbpsfigures clearly insufficient for modern use. With the new regulations, Spain aspires to be among the first countries to offer 100 Mbps within the universal service. This represents a significant leap in quality and performance.

25% discounts and extension to households with Minimum Living Income

Another key measure will be the expansion of access to reduced rates, forcing operators to apply a minimum discount of 25% on the standard rate to households with lower incomes. This benefit already existed, but it was limited to pensioners with low incomes, which left out many vulnerable groups. With this reform, the scope of the discount will be much greater, reaching other users with lower incomes who also have the right to this type of services.

The discounts will be extended to all beneficiaries of the Minimum Vital Income (IMV)which means reaching more than 800,000 homes in Spain. Furthermore, not only individuals will be able to benefit, since access for SMEs, microenterprises and non-profit organizations. This considerably expands the number of potential users of the service where it is intended to facilitate access to the Internet as a basic work and communication tool.

RTT, accessibility and new obligations for operators

The new regulation also introduces improvements in accessibility, such as the obligation to incorporate the function of Real Time Text (RTT) in calls to 112 and other telephone services. This technology allows you to write and read messages in real time during a call, facilitating communication for people with hearing or speech difficulties. With this, the inclusive nature of the universal service is reinforced, being one of the most relevant developments in this section.

In addition to these measures, operators must offer the adapted terminals for people with disabilities, including text phones or video phones. This requirement could pose a challenge for some operators that do not currently market devices. They will also be required to adapt their services to these new needs, ensuring truly universal access and leaving no one behind.

A more open model with participation of the entire industry

With this reform, the Government puts an end to the current model in which a single operator assumed the service, opening the door to a more distributed system. From now on, all companies must participatewhich will allow greater coverage and availability of the service. In areas where there is insufficient coverage, the Ministry may designate specific operators through bidding, ensuring that no region is left unattended.

The objective is to ensure that the quality internet access be truly universal, even in rural areas or areas with less infrastructure. To this end, the participation of technologies such as satellitewith adapted conditions such as higher latency or possible download limits. This hybrid approach will allow more territory to be covered, balancing the coverage and technical viability of these services.

Availability in 2027 and transition from current model

The current program Connect 35based on satellite connection, will end in 2027, giving way to this new, more ambitious model. With this, the Government intends to ensure that internet access stops being a limited basic service. The transition will be carried out progressively to guarantee continuity in servicemarking a before and after in connectivity services in Spain.

From then on, the universal service will offer much more consistent features with current internet use. This includes better browsing, streaming, quality for teleworking and access to essential digital services. The new framework aims to consolidate connectivity as a basic right with a more modern, inclusive and competitive approach.