Telephone communication guide for expats in Brussels Belgium.
Landlines
To connect to the landline network in Belgium, an initial subscription is required from Belgacom, then you are free to use Belgacom or any of the below as providers. Service can be ordered online as well as by telephone and activation and installation are usually done within 2 weeks. Should it be required, an installer will be sent to make the connections, though expect to pay a one-time installation fee of around 70€.
To get a landline, you must be 18 or older, and provide proof of identity. Prices for service begin at around 9.95€/month for basic telephony, with local calls costing around 0.15€/min and can go up to over 40€/month depending on service selected, so it is worth looking at the services on the websites below before deciding which is right for you. In most cases the customer service departments speak English, and will transfer you to someone who does, if they do not.
- Belgacom http://www.belgacom.be/
- Belgian Telecom http://www.belgian-telecom.be/
- Mondial Telecom http://www.mondialtelecom.be/
- Sun Telecom http://www.suntelecom.be/
- Toledo Telecom http://www.toledo.be/
Mobile Phones
There are 3 major providers who all offer a wide range of products and services. It is necessary to compare prices and options to find which is the right fit and price for your needs. Pay-and-go plans are a convenient way to go until you find your feet and are sure exactly what you want. Documents required for post-paid connections are Identity Card or Passport, Proof of Address, and bank account number (IBAN).
Handsets are not subsidized in Belgium and phones may be cheaper when special promotions are being offered. Prices for packages can be as low as 5€/month, though to see what’s best for you depending on your usage, it is recommended to visit the websites for details on different service plans. If you lose your mobile phone, call the provider immediately as you will be charged for any calls made after it is lost. It is useful to keep the IMEI number of the phone as this may help trace it. If stolen, report to the nearest police station.
Base SA http://www.base.be/ Offers monthly and prepaid services. If you need only simple and relatively cheap option, Base may be the way to go.
Mobistar NV http://www.mobistar.be/– Offers monthly and prepaid services.
Proximus http://www.proximus.be/– Largest provider in the country offering a wide range of services related to mobiles. It is a part of the Belgacom group and is linked with Vodafone.
