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Last updated on 19/06/2026
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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 monthly 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 technician to install it (free if you choose the monthly subscription, or $40,000-$50,000 for the prepaid kit).
Two things to check before committing. Some buildings, especially in wealthy areas, do not allow satellite dishes because they break the harmony of the facade, so ask the concierge whether it is permitted. If there is already a large shared antenna on the roof, DirectTV is available and you can usually connect to it. And in Santiago, an individual dish must point north-east to get a stable signal, so if your apartment has no wall facing north or east, installation will be difficult.
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.
Claro (formerly VTR + Claro)
VTR and Claro merged in 2023. If you hear people recommend VTR, that brand is now part of Claro. The combined company inherited VTR's cable network and Claro's mobile infrastructure, so coverage is generally good. They can be picky regarding who they accept: you will need a RUT and possibly a Chilean work contract. If your landlord is willing to subscribe to the contract himself, that can be a workaround.
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.
Frequently asked questions about internet in Chile
Common Questions
Yes, surprisingly good. Chile has some of the fastest fixed broadband in Latin America and regularly tops regional speed rankings, with fiber widely available in cities at competitive prices. The catch is access rather than quality: you generally need a RUT to open a contract, and not every provider serves every building, so ask the concierge which ones are connected before you choose.
It is difficult. Providers ask for a RUT, and some also want a Chilean work contract. Two workarounds exist: negotiate with your landlord to open the line in his name and pay it with your rent, or use prepaid internet through a 5G dongle until you get your RUT.
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