Telephone and broadband in Belgium
Here's how to proceed to get a telephone and broadband in Belgium.
Landline
Contact Proximus, the national telephone company in Belgium. You can either go see them or call them on 32 800 33 800 or 32 800 33 200 (free of charge). You sign a contract to open a physical line. Once this is done, you can choose among all the different operators in Belgium.
Connecting the line costs approximately €50. Once Proximus takes care of your request, it generally takes up to 10 days for the line to be effective. You'll receive a letter, call, or text telling you the line is ready to use.
A fixed telephone isn't free. You can buy it in shops or at your operator.
The bill is sent every two months, payable within 15 days. You can also choose to set up a direct debit. To do so, you need to give authorization to your bank, which will then debit the amount directly on your bank account.
One last detail: you need to be 18 to ask for a fixed telephone line in Belgium, and provide an ID.
Mobile phones
You can use your mobile phone with a monthly subscription or top-up card. If you're a foreigner and wish to call or text family and friends in your country of origin, you need to ask your operator to activate international calls on your phone (additional costs apply).
Do note that Belgium uses the GSM mobile network. However, even if your phone used the CDMA network in your home country, chances are, it'll work with the GSM network. Most areas offer 4G or 5G connectivity.
If you're looking for the best coverage across Belgium, look at Proximus or Orange.
Phone numbers
Mobile phone numbers in Belgium have either 9 or 10 digits. The prefixes will tell you which provider someone's with. For example, 047 is Proximus, 048 is Base, and 049 is Orange.
Subscriptions
If you need a subscription for a mobile phone in Belgium, you need to choose an operator first. You also must be a registered Belgian citizen.
The following documents are required to sign up in person or online:
- ID or passport
- Bank account details
- Proof of address
Mobile phones without subscription
No documents are required for prepaid SIM cards. You can buy them at any operator. However, the cost is higher than with a subscription. You can top up your account with cash or a debit card.
The SIM card itself will cost around €5. Typically, you can then top up in increments of €5.
Broadband
If you already have a phone line (with Proximus, for example), you need to check if an internet signal is available at your home address. You can do it on your operator's website. If you don't have a phone line, you need to open one to be able to connect broadband.
Be very careful with hidden costs: some operators give you all the equipment needed, while others invoice you additional rental fees for the equipment.
Operators and their offers
Most of the time, phone operators have offers comprising of a fixed telephone line, connecting the line, TV channels, and videos on request. Some might even offer you some services like creating a sales site or managing online accounts.
Most operators have very interesting discounts when you subscribe to the internet. You can usually bundle phone services with the internet, TV, and your mobile phone services. Generally, the more services you bundle, the more you'll save.
The following documents are required to sign up:
- ID or passport
- Bank account details
- Proof of address
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