The Ministry for Digital Transformation has begun the process for Telefónica to cease being the designated operator of the Universal Telecommunications Service from January 1, 2027, after 28 years in this role. The measure will allow any operator with coverage in the area to offer the service, and users will be able to demand it from the company of their choice.
From January 1, 2027, Telefónica will stop being the operator responsible for providing the Universal Telecommunications Service in Spain. The company has held this role for 28 years, since the liberalisation of the sector at the end of the 20th century. This information was reported by Banda Ancha.
The Ministry for Digital Transformation has submitted a draft order for public consultation that ends this designation. The General Telecommunications Law allows for the removal of the obligation when telephone and fixed broadband services are guaranteed under normal market conditions. The Ministry believes this situation is already in place due to fibre, cable, fixed wireless access, and satellite, along with 5G coverage.
The main change for users is that there will no longer be a single designated operator. All operators will have to offer the universal service within their coverage area. Both individuals and small businesses will be able to demand the connection from any operator that covers their area.
The minimum service conditions will be 100 Mbps download, 5 Mbps upload, and a maximum latency of 690 ms, with support for Real-Time Text (RTT) on the fixed phone. Beneficiaries of the Minimum Vital Income will maintain a 25% discount.
The universal service originally only covered the fixed line. In 2012, it incorporated internet access with a speed of 1 Mbps, which was increased to 10 Mbps in 2022. This provision never became popular due to its download limits and speed.
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