Yes, you can use 3G in Spain. Spain has a well-developed mobile network, offering coverage across the country. According to a report by the Spanish telecommunications regulator, as of January 2020, 93.3% of the Spanish population had access to 4G, while 3G was almost universally available.
In addition to the major Spanish telecommunications providers such as Movistar, Vodafone, Orange and Yoigo, there are also a range of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) offering mobile services in the country. These companies often offer more competitive pricing than the major providers, making them a popular choice for many people.
According to the OpenSignal mobile coverage report from September 2020, the average download speed on 4G networks in Spain was 33.7 Mbps, which is faster than the global average of 16.9 Mbps.
As for 3G speeds, they are lower than 4G speeds, but they can still provide a decent internet connection for basic browsing and messaging apps. Here is a table summarizing the maximum theoretical 3G speeds offered by the major Spanish mobile providers:
Provider
Maximum theoretical 3G speed
Movistar
42 Mbps
Vodafone
42 Mbps
Orange
21 Mbps
Yoigo
21 Mbps
To quote the director of the Spanish telecommunications regulator, “Spain has one of the most extensive and advanced telecommunications networks in Europe, offering high-speed internet access to almost the entire population.” So, whether you’re traveling to Spain for business or pleasure, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to stay connected.
Video answer to “Can you use 3G in Spain?”
The video discusses three methods to access data while traveling internationally, namely acquiring a local SIM card, utilizing data roaming from home carrier, and buying global data from providers like Airolo. While Airolo is a middleman, it offers affordable rates at a per-country or regional level, unlike roaming, which is usually expensive. A local SIM card is suggested for frequent international travelers, while Airolo suits casual travelers for ease of data management, and roaming should be used as a last resort to avoid unforeseen charges.
Spain is a Go Roam in Europe destination which means you can use your data here at no extra cost. If you have an Add-on with a data allowance of 12GB or greater, a fair use limit applies, with use over 12GB subject to a surcharge (see below).
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What network does 3 use in Spain?
Three don’t have their own network in Spain so your phone will log into one of the Spanish ones. They’re all good all along the coast so nothing to worry about. I’ve had the odd problem up in the hills with a poor signal but that’s all. Yes me as well, it connects to Movistar and everything free on my package.
Can I use my cell phone in Spain?
Like other European countries, the Spanish use the GSM network for mobile communications. This makes it easy for most people to connect on arrival. However, even if you’re coming from somewhere that uses the CDMA network, your smartphone will still likely work in Spain.
Is roaming free in Europe with three?
The daily roaming charge is £2 in Go Roam in Europe destinations and £5 in Go Roam Around the World destinations. Republic of Ireland and the Isle of Man are exempt from the daily roaming charge.
Why is my 3 mobile not working abroad?
Check if you’re set up for roaming on the Three app by going to ‘Plan’ and clicking ‘Using your phone abroad’. If you’ve got a new Pay As You Go SIM, make sure you activate the SIM before you go away. You can’t activate it while abroad.
Should you buy a mobile phone in Spain?
The answer is: If you’re buying a mobile or cell phone in Spain, consider whether you would be better off with a contract or pay-as-you-go phone. When you sign a contract, you’ll have a monthly bill to pay, but you can often get cheaper rates and a free or cheap mobile phone as part of the deal. This is similar to most countries.
Does three offer 5G roaming?
Response: All of Three’s SIM-only deals include 5G at no extra cost, along with personal hotspot usage in Europe. In most Go Roam countries, Three now offers 3G and 4G coverage when roaming. This is provided by a number of local partner mobile networks. However, Three does not offer any 5G roaming at present.
Which cities are covered by 3G / 4G & 5G?
Answer to this: 0 collected data since in displayed area. See also the 3G / 4G / 5G mobile network coverage in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, Zaragoza, Málaga, Murcia, Palma, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Bilbao, Alicante, Córdoba, Valladolid, Vigo, Gijón . Take part to the nPerf project, download our app now !
Does Spain have Wi-Fi?
In reply to that: Also, in Spain you will find Wi-Fi connections available in hotels, shops, leisure centres, restaurants and some public buildings, such as libraries. In many cases, the connection is free. In others, there is a charge depending on the time spent connected. What are the main options for phoning from Spain?
Should you buy a mobile phone in Spain?
If you’re buying a mobile or cell phone in Spain, consider whether you would be better off with a contract or pay-as-you-go phone. When you sign a contract, you’ll have a monthly bill to pay, but you can often get cheaper rates and a free or cheap mobile phone as part of the deal. This is similar to most countries.
Which European cellcos have closed their 3G networks?
Several cellcos in Europe have already closed their 3G systems. The first European firm to make the move was VodafoneZiggo in the Netherlands, which shut its W-CDMA 3G network in February 2020. The operator had stopped selling subscriptions with 3G-only devices back in 2017.
Which European markets will switch off 3G services in 2022?
Other European markets where Vodafone is looking to switch off 3G services in the next few years include Portugal (due to be closed in March 2022), Greece (December 2022), and Ireland (December 2023). Deutsche Telekom (DT), the owner of Telekom in Germany, is another European frontrunner in 3G shutdowns.
Does Telefonica still have 3G?
Answer to this: Elsewhere, Telefonica of Spain committed to retaining its 3G services until 2025, along with the likes of A1 in Austria and Bulgaria, Bite in Lithuania, and Tele2 of Russia. Pete Bell is a Research Analyst for TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database and also contributes to the daily CommsUpdate newsletter.
