Various fixed line (líneas fijas) telephone providers are available in Colombia. Setting up a landline phone service inside Colombia can be difficult, especially for expats that do not read or speak Spanish. Here we outline the providers available to you and how to get the line installed.
The main fixed line service providers in Colombia are UNE and Movistar.
With UNE, you can pay a monthly fee and obtain limited minutes, or alternatively apply for an unlimited plan. They also offer special international packages, ideal for expats calling abroad. Bear in mind many of the packages exclude installation fees.
Movistar also offers landline services with limited calling plans. They also have unlimited calling plans nationally and internationally with a choice of 3, 6 or 9 friends & family numbers, plus voicemail services. However, more competitive prices are available when bought in a bundle with Internet and/or television.
The activation of a landline, as well as paying for phone bills, can be carried out through the respective company websites, or in-store at one of their branches.
Be aware that many properties in Colombia may not have a fixed telephone line already installed. The country has an average telephone line density of 17%, but in rural areas it drops to 10%, thus its worth checking before buying or renting any property what's available to you.