U02E - Telephone

Fixed telephone lines
There are many phone/cable TV companies operating in Portugal and all have now a land line product, but it also depends on the signal in your area. 

Connecting a new telephone line is normally quite quick. On the other hand if your house is in a remote country area far from the telephone network be prepared for a longer wait. To start a new contract you will normally need to go to one of the telephone company's offices, provide identification and a proof of address and sign the appropriate form. Most companies will also accept a request over the phone and post the documents to sign or even bring them over for you. They will need your full name, the full address of the house, a contact phone number, and your tax registration number (NIF).

Cancellation of a telephone contract must be in writing either by registered post with acknowledgment of recipient, by email or at one of the company's offices. The request should indicate the disconnection date, contact number of the telephone to be removed and the address for final invoicing. 

Special services 
Many of the companies provide a number of special services. These include Voice Mail (replaces your answering machine), aviso de chamadas em espera (advises you of a second call), reencaminhamento de chamadas (automatically re-routes calls to another number), conferência a três (conference calls), chamada com destino fixo (just pick up the phone and it connects to a pre-defined number), and barramento de chamadas (where you can use a code to activate or deactivate levels of service). 

Mobile phones 
All these companies will also provide a mobile phone service.

We advise members to shop around before they decide on a communication company, ask for services, cover, prices, all you need to know to decide the best option for your particular case.

Useful links
Coverage Map 
Price Comparison
Provided by ANACOM (Right click on the pages to translate the options)

ANACOM is the portuguese regulatory authority for postal and electronic communications.