Let’s suppose you take out a two-year internet contract but decide to move after just one-year. What will happen and will there be penalties?
This is a very common question from people moving to Portugal, particularly those that aren’t 100% sure where they’re likely to settle down yet. Because most landlords don’t pre-install internet, or offer to take on the contract themselves, many people end up renting a property and having to take on an internet contract themselves knowing that they could move before the contract ends.
However, according to telecommunications expert Fernando Mendes, this isn’t as complicated or expensive as it all sounds, particularly if you opt for home internet with MEO.
Fernando says that regardless of which Portuguese internet service provider you opt for, there will be a penalty for moving, but it’s minimal at around €25. As long as that internet service provider offers home internet at your next property, you’ll then be able to move your internet to that property and then start a new two-year contract there.
What Happens if my ISP doesn’t cover my new address?
This is where things get a little complicated, says Fernando. If you have home internet in one location and you’re unable to get it with that provider at your next address, they will cancel the home internet part of the contract rather than the whole contract.
This works fine if you just have home internet but if you have a bundle (for example, if you have a cell phone with them in the same bundle) they then have the right to raise the price of the other items in your bundle. In this example, the cost of the cell phone contract could go up because you’re no longer getting the same discounted package as before.
“For this reason, says Fernando, “I always recommend that newcomers go with MEO for the simple reason that MEO has the best coverage of all the ISPs in Portugal. This means that if you decide to move home, you are more likely to be able to get fibre at your next property with MEO than with another provider.”
Once you’re settled and you have purchased a property, then it’s worth shopping around and looking at other internet service providers.
What Happens if you Leave Portugal?
Let’s suppose you have to move to another country, for example for health or work reasons. Will you be stuck paying for an internet contract in Portugal?
According to Fernando, the internet service provider will cancel the contract free of charge as long as you can show that you have permanently left Portugal. They will most likely ask for a work contract or a rental contract to show that you are genuinely leaving Portugal.
This doesn’t apply if you’re just planning to leave Portugal for a few months, but only if you’re leaving Portugal on a permanent or semi-permanent basis and can show proof that you’ll be residing somewhere else.