Getting a Telephone Connection

Find out how to get your new home connected to the landline telephone service in Brazil...

Telephone

A large number of telephone companies in Brazil provide landline (telefonia fixa) services, and providers vary between states. Usually, landline providers also offer mobile and Internet services as part of a package. Some offer near-national coverage, while others focus on a state, a region or a city. Because of this, it is advisable to select a landline provider carefully - call rates for telephone conversations involving two networks are typically higher than those involving one, and the relative frequency of a household's local, national and international calls will be critical to choosing a carrier. ANATEL, the Brazilian telecommunications regulator, holds information on different tariff rates and inter-network charges.

• For ANATEL's long-distance call cost calculator: Click here (In Portuguese)

Several of the largest providers are listed below:

• Algar / CTBC
  Customer Services Tel: 103 12
  
• Embratel / Claro
  Customer Services Tel: 4004 4021
• GVT
  Customer Services Tel: 103 25
• Oi
  
• Sercomtel
  Customer Services Tel: 103 43
• Telefônica / Vivo
  Customer Services Tel: 0800 774 40 00
• TIM / Intelig

How to Get Connected

While connection procedures differ from company to company, the steps for getting connected are usually:

• Call the company's customer service line, write to them via their online contact facilities, or visit a branch in person. Most companies also have online registration tools, as well as simple facilities for checking whether or not an area is covered
• When requested, give details of postal code, house or apartment number, Individual Taxpayer Number (Cadastro de Pessoa Física - CPF), proof of identity and proof of residence
• In order to set up security questions and answers, applicants may be asked for personal details such as their mother's maiden name or the name of their first school
• Payment can be arranged by postal cheque, direct bank debit or counter payment. For the first two options, bank details will be required. Service activation fees and initial administrative charges are common and the company may also perform a credit check, which will lengthen the process
• The company will then check whether or not it has landlines in the area. If it does, account setup may occur within the week; if it does not, account setup may take longer. In some cases, a site visit from an engineer will have to be arranged