If you’re moving to Portugal for a short period of time, or you aren’t sure what your future plans might look like, you may be hesitant to sign up for a two-year internet contract. Two-year contracts are the norm in Portugal, both for internet and mobile phones, but it’s also possible to get a shorter contract that’s just one year.
However, telecommunications expert Fernando Mendes generally recommends against this.
Technically the internet service providers have one-year contracts but in practice, the one-year contract is double the cost of a two-year contract. This means that after one year, you’ll have paid the same as you would have paid on a two-year contract.
And on a one-year contract, you’re obliged to pay the installation. On a two-year contract, the installation, activation, and cost of the equipment are included. There’s also a guarantee on the equipment where they’ll replace the router or TV box if they stop working. Therefore, it always makes sense to sign a two-year contract.
Many people aren’t aware that it’s possible to move house and pay a small penalty to take your internet contract with you. This is typically around €25. Once at the new property, you will then start a new two-year contract.
Alternatively, you could get prepaid mobile data internet. This costs around €30 per month and offers unlimited data (although in practice, it’s often limited after around 100 gb). It isn’t as good as fibre internet, but it is usually good for one or two people to do stream videos, have Zoom calls, and do the other essentials online.