Technology

Movistar quietly offers free WiFi 7 router upgrades to select customers

Movistar quietly offers free WiFi 7 router upgrades to select customers RUSSPAIN.com © russpain.com
Movistar quietly offers free WiFi 7 router upgrades to select customers © russpain.com
Movistar is offering free WiFi 7 routers to a limited group of existing customers. The upgrade, normally priced at 60 euros, appears as a zero-cost option for customers who receive a personalized invitation in the Mi Movistar app. Not everyone is eligible.

This week, some Movistar customers opening the Mi Movistar app have found an offer to upgrade to the new Router Movistar WiFi 7, with the usual 60-euro installation fee waived. For these users, the upgrade is free, but only if they accept the invitation before it disappears.

This isn’t a general promotion. Only certain existing customers see the zero-cost offer; others still face the standard charge. Movistar hasn’t explained how it chooses recipients. Users on forums have speculated that owners of the HGU5 router might be targeted, but there’s no official confirmation. The only clear indication is the personalized offer in the app, where the price appears as zero euros.

Movistar has confirmed that if a customer’s invitation does not show the 0 € price, placing an order will not lead to a later refund. The free upgrade is tied strictly to the personalized offer.

For those who qualify, the process is simple. The invitation may appear when they log in to Mi Movistar and take them to a page for equipment renewal. Customers can also check the official promotional page after logging in. If the price still shows as 60 euros, that line isn’t included in the campaign, and Movistar warns that ordering won’t trigger a refund. The offer applies only to accounts with a personalized invitation.

The WiFi 7 router comes with several technical upgrades. Movistar says it can handle 70% more traffic than the previous Smart WiFi 6 model, with up to 50% lower latency. It supports both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, has ten internal antennas and uses WPA3 security. The device includes fiber connectivity and three Gigabit Ethernet ports, alongside a 10 Gbps port and EasyMesh support for unified network management. Movistar estimates self-installation takes about ten minutes. The router uses 9% less energy than before, and 65% of its materials are recycled.

Upgrading the router doesn’t change the customer’s contracted fiber speed or monthly bill. The new device replaces the old one, while older devices will still connect using previous WiFi standards. To get the full benefit of WiFi 7, users need compatible devices. These include phones, laptops and TVs. Router placement still matters for coverage, and Movistar advises customers not to block the ventilation slots or put objects on top of the device.

Independent reports citing Movistar's official blog say the rollout of free WiFi 7 routers is happening in phases, with the list of invited customers gradually expanding instead of all routers being replaced at once. The selection criteria have not been made public or explained. Even customers with older routers or premium tariffs may initially be ineligible.

This selective approach reflects a broader trend among Spanish service providers, which increasingly use targeted perks to retain long-term customers, while new clients often get the latest hardware by default. It resembles some local government aid programs, where eligibility depends on specific criteria instead of being open to everyone.

By offering upgrades to only some existing customers, Movistar is making a tactical move: loyalty matters, but not everyone gets the same treatment. The lack of transparency may frustrate those left out, while eligible customers get the savings. In a market where hardware upgrades often attract new sign-ups, the campaign aims to keep select long-term users satisfied.

Lara Carter RUSSPAIN.com
Journalist

Lara Carter

Lara Carter is a journalist at RUSSPAIN.COM covering Spanish current affairs, culture, tourism, transport, economy and society.