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- Internet providers in Chile
17/12/2018, updated 10/07/2024
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Since 2016, expat.cl has been maintaining this free online guide about Chile for foreigners, which takes a lot of time. Unfortunately, search engines now use this content to provide AI-generated answers. Therefore, our most up-to-date content is now only available in the Chile Handbook for Foreigners. Articles on this guide will still be updated, but less frequently.
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To get internet and or television in your home, you need to open a contract with a provider, as these services are not available by default in most places. To do so, you need to get a temporary or permanent residency. You can negotiate with the owner to have him open the line and pay him on a monthly basis with your rent. This is a great option if you do not yet have a RUT, as it is difficult to open an internet line without a RUT.
Below are several options.
Satellite
DirectTV
DirectTV is the leader in TV by satellite. It offers a mensual subscription, but you need a RUT and a bank account in Chile, which you may not have upon arrival. In this case, you can buy a prepaid kit, which you can install yourself. Then, you top up the balance of the account when you need. If you have never installed a satellite dish, it can take time (around 3-4 hours). You can ask a tecnician to install it (free if you choose the monthly subscription, or $40,000-$50,000 for the prepaid kit).
Be careful:
- some buildings (especially in wealthy areas) do not accept the installation of satellite dishes, because it breaks the harmony of the building. Ask the concierge if it is allowed or not. Usually, there is a huge antenna on the roof of the building if DirectTV is available. Most of the time, only cable TV providers are available.
- In Santiago, the satellite dish must point to the north-east to get a stable connection with the satellite. If your apartment does not have a wall facing north or east, it is going to be difficult to install the dish. In most buildings yet, there is a large dish for the whole building to which you can connect.
Double/triple-play pack: phone, internet, and television
Several internet/phone/TV providers exist. They offer rather similar solutions. Below are the largest ones:
Not all providers are available in all areas. It is not the case anymore, but providers used to divide the market between them to avoid competition and costly installations. In each building, you only had a single provider, that was able to charge the price he wanted. Now, there are generally 2 or 3 providers. Ask the concierge for their name. You can call another provider, but they are unlikely to accept, because they would have to connect first the building to their network, before installing your line.
VTR
Best quality-price ratio. Yet, they are quite picky regarding who they accept. You will need a RUT and a Chilean work contract. If your landlord is ok to subscribe to the contract himself, it is the provider that we recommend.
Claro
Movistar
They are the cheapest and can activate your line with just a RUT. They are not going to ask for a work contract or proof of income. It is not the best regarding client service if you try to call them or reach them by email. If you have a problem, it is better to go to a Movistar support center to get a qualified staff to help you.
GTD
Premium provider, but significantly more expensive than other ones.
You need a RUT to subscribe to a contract with one of these providers. If you do not have one, you should have a look at prepaid internet using a 5G dongle.
If your apartment/house is over 120sqm, the wifi router supplied by your ISP won't likely be enough to cover the whole property, as the routers supplied are generally entry-level products. You can rent an additional router from your ISP for more comprehensive wifi coverage.
Do you want to go more in detail?
I wrote the Chile Handbook for Foreigners for anyone and everyone looking to move permanently and enjoy life in Chile. It's a 265-page book that goes over all aspects of relocating to Chile. Here is what you get:
✅ Practical tips based on 7-year relocation experience
✅ To-do lists to help you start
✅ Last updated in 2024
