With the arrival of 2026, Spanish telecom subscribers faced the most significant price increase for telecommunications services in recent years. The country’s largest operators — Movistar, Orange, and Vodafone — simultaneously raised the prices of their bundled internet and mobile plans. The average increase was 4.74%, which translates to roughly 39 euros per client per year. For many families, this was an unpleasant surprise, especially as inflation over the past year did not exceed 2.9%.
The price hike was particularly noticeable for those using so-called convergent packages, which combine internet, mobile, and television in a single subscription. In some cases, the cost of these bundled services rose by more than 8%. For example, Orange customers now pay 6 euros more each month for certain packages, with the highest increase reaching 8.47%. Movistar followed suit: television services now cost 4 euros more per month, and for customers using multiple services, the total overpayment can reach 6 euros monthly.
Details of the price increase
Each operator chose their own strategy for raising prices. Movistar was the first to announce upcoming rate changes, but kept the smallest increase—an average of 2.24% for internet and mobile services. The new prices went into effect on January 13. Orange raised prices across all packages except the most affordable one (€50 per month), starting January 12. Vodafone, which began with lower prices (from €40 for a converged package), increased the cost of all offers by €3 per month, resulting in an average jump of 6.72%. Additionally, contract mobile lines became €1 more expensive. These changes have been in effect since January 8.
Yoigo also did not stand aside: back in December 2025, its subscribers saw an average price hike of 3.86%. Unlimited internet plans and large data packages rose by €2 per month. As a result, the annual average increase across the four largest operators reached 4.52%, or €35.33 per customer.
Causes and consequences
Operators justify this sharp increase by citing the need to cover network development costs and improve service quality. However, for most subscribers, these arguments are unconvincing—telecom price hikes far outpace inflation and the cost of other utilities. Families feeling the pinch most are those who have to cut expenses everywhere just to stay within their household budget.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that at the end of 2025 many companies removed their cheapest plans from the lineup. Now it’s nearly impossible to find a truly affordable option. For millions of Spaniards, connectivity is becoming a luxury rather than a basic service.
Exceptions and special offers
Against the backdrop of widespread price increases, Digi chose not to raise its rates in 2026. This triggered a wave of responses from competitors, with some operators offering discounts of up to 60% for customers switching from Digi. While this battle for clients may offer temporary relief to some subscribers, overall the market is heading toward further price hikes.
Interestingly, despite the general rise in prices, the cost of the most basic packages—including internet and two mobile lines (starting from 10 GB)—actually decreased by 4.61% at the end of 2025, a saving of 22.31 euros per year. Packages with television saw savings of 6.05%, or 36 euros annually. However, to benefit, subscribers must choose plans very carefully and be prepared to switch operators frequently.
Tips for subscribers
Experts advise against rushing to switch operators, recommending first that you study the terms of your current contract carefully. Sometimes it’s more advantageous to stay on existing terms rather than move to updated, costlier rates. It’s also wise to reassess your actual needs: you may not need the maximum channel package or extra gigabytes you don’t use. Another way to save is to alternate TV subscriptions depending on premieres and special offers, as well as monitor temporary discounts and promotions.
In 2026, Spain’s telecommunications market is becoming increasingly unpredictable. Operators are searching for new ways to generate revenue, while customers strive to maintain their standard of living. Time will tell who comes out on top in this race.
