Overview of 2024 telecom price updates and streaming platform changes
Major operators such as Movistar and Vodafone have announced tariff increases for 2024. The higher costs are not tied to better performance or service quality; customers can expect an average rise of about 4.3 euros. The Consumer Organization (OCU) highlights this trend and notes that the shift is visible across several providers. In contrast, several low-cost operators in the market, including Finetwork, Lowi, Simyo, O2, Jazztel, and Digi, have avoided announcing price hikes. Some of these brands have even introduced discounts during this period, sometimes aligned with seasonal promotions. Orange also did not publish a price rise for its customers, with the caveat that the company shifted its pricing strategy in 2023 and did not implement a rise at the start of the year, though adjustments occurred in March. MásMóvil also opted not to report price changes.
From January 1, Vodafone customers will notice higher bills, with increases ranging from 0.70 to 4.30 euros depending on the chosen plan. Social tariffs remain unchanged. The basic mobile plans, including unlimited calls with 50 GB, show marginal increases; for example, a package with broad coverage and a generous data allowance rises by 1.60 euros, bringing the monthly cost to 37.20 euros. The Vodafone One Unlimited option becomes the most expensive, rising by 4.30 euros to 101.50 euros per month. The operator attributes the increases to sustained inflation, higher energy costs, and the need for continued investments to expand 5G coverage, in addition to broader service costs across suppliers.
Movistar also cites price adjustments that do not accompany new features or improvements. Beginning January 15, fiber-only or mobile-only tariffs will see an extra two euros. The most affordable mobile plan, offering 8 gigabytes and unlimited calls, will be 16.95 euros per month. The most comprehensive mobile option with data and unlimited calls rises to 43.95 euros from 41.95 euros. Fiber-only plans also rise by two euros, with the entry 300 Mbps service at 31.90 euros and the top tier 1 Gbps at 45.90 euros per month.
Store and platform fee updates for streaming services are another area of change. The market’s major players have not signaled broad price hikes for 2024, but several updated their plans at the end of 2023. Movistar Plus, the streaming arm of Movistar, is raising its price from 11 euros to 12 euros in 2024. In the streaming market, Netflix has discontinued its basic ad-free option, though overall pricing for 2024 remains steady for other plans. The available options include a basic plan with ads at 5.49 euros, a standard plan without ads at 12.99 euros, and a premium plan at 17.99 euros per month.
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Basic plan with ads (5.49 euros per month)
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Standard plan without ads (12.99 euros per month)
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Bonus Plan (17.99 euros per month)
Disney Plus has also adjusted its pricing, with plans set for 2024 that include a Standard with ads option at 5.99 euros, an Ad-free Standard at 8.99 euros, and a Premium tier at 11.99 euros. An annual option is available for both Standard and Premium plans at 89.90 euros and 119.90 euros respectively.
Other platforms maintain their pricing for now. HBO Max kept its pricing, after adjusting in mid-2023, and Apple TV’s monthly cost of 9.99 euros remains unchanged. A Spanish title service plans to operate independently while keeping a monthly subscription near 7.99 euros in 2024. Amazon Prime is evaluating the introduction of ads; while exact rates were not published, it is anticipated that a higher price will apply to customers choosing to avoid ads.
For sports enthusiasts, DAZN has announced a notably aggressive pricing move for 2024. The service, which streams LaLiga, the English Premier League, women’s football, Formula 1, and MotoGP, will update annual tier prices for the basic package starting January 26. The annual rate for a basic format covering most content outside Spanish football rises to 239.99 euros, up from 149.99 euros, while the monthly option ranges from 19.99 to 29.99 euros. A full-content package that includes all matches can increase from 299.99 euros to 349.99. Customers with a full monthly subscription will face a price rise from 29.99 to 39.99 euros starting in March.
Net effect: households across the board should expect careful budgeting for entertainment and connectivity in 2024 as inflation and investment requirements push some prices higher, while several providers resist raising costs or offer promotional pricing in response to competitive pressure.
— attribution: market summaries and price announcements compiled from carrier and platform announcements and industry observers.