How to connect internet, TV, home telephone
In this article we will tell you how to choose a provider, what they are and what documents you will need if you want to install or connect the Internet at home. We will also consider the possibilities of TV and mobile communication.
In the capital of the Grand Duchy, free city Wi-Fi is available at all tourist spots and on many streets. There are also wi-fi cafés where you can access the internet. When it comes to connecting your home to telecoms services, there are a few important things to consider.
Phone
Most private properties have a telephone line. This is usually a standard connection, operated by the state-owned company POST Luxembourg. Historically, they have been the monopoly in the market. Therefore, if a telephone is not connected, you must make a request to POST Luxembourg. It usually takes a month to lay the line, but it may take longer.
It usually takes a couple more days to activate the telephone line. The connection is usually notified by email. If there is an active phone line at home (or as soon as there is), you can change providers.
If you are renting a flat, check with your landlord to see if you can change providers at your discretion.
Internet
In Luxembourg you can connect via ADSL, VDSL, SDSL, fibre optic, etc. Most often they offer to connect via ADSL modem (works on existing telephone lines) and fibre optic, which is considered to be the fastest. However, the speed also depends on where you live - in the capital and large cities the speed is higher than in the regions.
Connection via ADSL modems
Fibre optic connection
If you are renting a flat, check whether monthly internet charges are included in the rent.
TV
Locals prefer cable TV, while satellite TV is popular with foreigners. The choice of provider depends on the location of your municipality and your home - each provider has its own coverage area.
Cable TV is easier - no additional equipment or permits are needed. An aerial is enough. It is installed by an electrician or an employee of an electrical shop.
If you want satellite TV, you will need a dish. In addition, those who plan to access channels broadcasting in Russian will need a dish:
- set the signal to Bluebird or Amos;
- choose a satellite dish with a diameter of at least 80 cm;
- obtain authorisation from the landlord, from the building manager - Gérant du bâtiment and from the management company - Syndicat. Or you can get permission directly from the municipality.
How to choose a provider
There are plenty of providers in Luxembourg: the public POST Luxembourg and private Orange, Tango, Eltrona, etc. They can connect TV, internet or telephony separately, but also offer packages. The price depends on the type of cable, the speed of the connection and what services are included in the package.
You can connect TV, internet and home phone in a package, i.e. receive one bill for all services from providers::
The largest and most popular provider is the state-owned POST Luxembourg, and many homes have it connected by default. But this does not mean that there is only one right option. You need to choose based on your own needs. If you often play computer games or watch broadcasts online, you need high download speeds. If you surf social networks, a medium speed is fine.
POST offers 20 Mbps internet (not 200) for 60 euros per month, but 55 TV channels. The requirement to sign a one-year contract remains. The other tariffs are more expensive, but the internet speed is faster, there are 120 TV channels and unlimited calls to landlines and mobiles.
If you work remotely and constantly need fast internet, you can check out Orange's fibre optic options. The provider offers installation, wiring and, depending on the speed, 3 tariffs:
- 29 euros for 50 Mbps.
- 49 euros for 500 Mbps.
- 59 euros for 1Gbps.
But such a contract is compulsory for a year, and there is a modem fee of 5 euros per month.
Tango has a tariff where 1 Gbps costs €1 per month, but then the cost rises to €60. There is also the requirement to sign a one-year contract and pay 5 euros per month for the modem. But you can download an HD film in about 20 seconds.
You may not be comfortable with a one-year payment commitment. Then you should look for a provider that offers a contract without such a commitment. The table below shows some tariffs and conditions with and without contracts for Orange and Tango. You can also consider two other major providers: Eltrona and Luxembourg online.
In any case, the conditions change quite often. Before filling out an application and signing a contract, you should study the offers of all providers.
How to conclude a contract
- Leave an application on the website of the chosen provider.
- Get the contract and read carefully what is written in it. Get an interpreter if necessary.
- Study everything, then it is stated in the small print. Many providers offer 24-month contracts. There may also be other terms and conditions that are not suitable for you.
- Find out if the modem is available for buyback or only for rent? Choose the more cost-effective option.
- Make a subscription, i.e. register for connection. This can be done in person at one of the offline points, by phone or online at the website.
- Please note that the termination of the contract is subject to administrative fees. Please check the amount of these fees with the providers.
What you need to connect
You don't need any complicated certificates and confirmations to connect to the internet.
To connect satellite TV, in addition to the documents listed above, you will need permission from the homeowner and either the management company or the municipality.
How the internet and TV are connected
Setting up the connection depends on the provider. Some of them conduct a test visit to the client to find out whether it is possible to connect the package that has been selected. If the result is unsatisfactory, I send an alternative offer by e-mail. This serves as a contract.
As a general rule, breaking a contract due to a technicality does not require you to pay an administration fee if you are not satisfied with the new offer.
As a rule, after the visit and confirmation of the contract, the provider either sends equipment and instructions for self-connection, or an engineer comes to install and configure the connection. Payment depends on the terms and conditions of the service provider and your contract with him. Some providers offer the first connection free of charge. However, you usually have to pay separately for a specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to connect a telephone line in Luxembourg?
What internet connection options are available in Luxembourg, and which is the fastest?
What are the key considerations when choosing a TV, internet, and phone provider in Luxembourg?
Source: www.providers.lu, www.post.lu, www.tango.lu, www.orange.lu, www.wel2lux.com, www.oecd.org
We took photos from these sources: Rodion Kutsaiev on Unsplash