The Setup Process
I signed up for Movistar's 300 Mbps fiber plan in March 2022. The sales process was smooth—almost too smooth. The representative promised installation within 48 hours and assured me that fiber was available in my building. What they didn't mention: availability doesn't guarantee your specific apartment has the infrastructure.
The technician arrived on time, which was a good sign. However, he discovered that while the building had Movistar fiber, my apartment needed internal wiring work. This added three days to the process and an unexpected 150€ charge that wasn't mentioned during sign-up. Lesson learned: always ask about installation costs upfront, even if the salesperson says it's "free."
Speed Performance
Once connected, the speeds were generally solid. I consistently got 300-450 Mbps download during off-peak hours. Upload speeds hovered around 280-320 Mbps, which is excellent for video calls and file uploads. However, evening performance (7-11 PM) dropped significantly, sometimes to 150-200 Mbps.
I ran speed tests using Ookla Speedtest and Spain's official broadband measurement tool multiple times per week. The pattern was clear: Movistar's network gets congested during peak hours, especially in dense neighborhoods like Eixample where I lived.
For streaming and general browsing, this was never a problem. But if you work from home and need consistent speeds for video conferences or large file transfers, the evening drops could be frustrating.
Customer Service Experience
This is where Movistar's size becomes a double-edged sword. When I had a billing question, I spent 45 minutes on hold before reaching someone. The automated system is comprehensive but frustrating—you navigate through multiple menus only to be told you need a different department.
I had one service interruption that lasted 18 hours. Getting through to technical support took persistence, but once connected, the technician was knowledgeable and resolved the issue remotely. However, the lack of proactive communication was disappointing. No text messages, no email updates—just silence until I called.
Their online chat support exists, but response times vary wildly. Sometimes I got an answer in minutes; other times, I waited over an hour for a response.
Pricing and Contracts
Movistar's pricing structure is complex. My initial rate was 45€/month for the first 12 months, then it jumped to 65€/month. This is standard practice in Spain, but Movistar is less transparent about the long-term cost than some competitors.
The contract was 18 months with a 200€ early termination fee. I didn't realize until later that some providers offer 12-month contracts with similar terms. If you're unsure about your long-term plans, this matters.
One positive: Movistar includes their TV service in many packages. I didn't use it much, but if you want Spanish channels, it's a decent value add.
What I Liked
- Reliable speeds during off-peak hours
- Strong upload speeds for content creators
- Wide coverage—they're available almost everywhere
- Professional installation (once you get past the initial issues)
What Frustrated Me
- Evening speed drops during peak hours
- Long customer service wait times
- Hidden installation costs
- Complex pricing that makes comparison shopping difficult
- Lack of proactive communication during outages
Who Should Choose Movistar
Movistar makes sense if you prioritize reliability over speed consistency, need their TV bundle, or live in an area where they're the only viable option. Their network is extensive, and if you're not sensitive to evening slowdowns, the overall experience is solid.
However, if you work from home during peak hours, need consistent speeds, or value responsive customer service, you might want to explore alternatives like Orange or Vodafone.
Final Verdict
Movistar delivers on their core promise: fast fiber internet that works most of the time. But their market dominance shows in ways that aren't always customer-friendly. The service is good, not great, and you're paying a premium for the brand name.
After 18 months, I switched not because Movistar was terrible, but because I wanted to see if other providers offered better value. The grass isn't always greener, but in this case, it was worth exploring.