Belgium is a small country located in Western Europe. The country has a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure, and telephony services are easily accessible to both residents and expatriates. This article provides information on telephone service in Belgium, including international and area codes, major telephone providers, procedures for arranging telephone connections, and payment options for telephone bills.
International Code and Area Codes
The international code for Belgium is +32. If you are calling Belgium from outside the country, you must dial this code before dialing the local number.
For local calls within Belgium, there are several area codes for popular expat destinations. The area code for the capital city of Brussels is 02, while the area code for the popular tourist destination of Bruges is 050. Other popular expat destinations in Belgium include Antwerp, Ghent, and Liege.
Major Telephone Providers in Belgium
There are several major telephone providers in Belgium, both for landline and mobile services. These include:
Landline Providers
Proximus: Proximus is the largest telecommunications provider in Belgium and is partially owned by the Belgian government. The company provides landline services, as well as broadband internet and television. Proximus offers both residential and business services, and customers can choose from a variety of packages to suit their needs. Proximus can be contacted at 0800 55 800 for landline services.
Telenet: Telenet is a local telecommunications provider that offers landline services, broadband internet, and television. The company has been operating in Belgium since 1996 and has a reputation for providing reliable services. Telenet can be contacted at 015 66 66 66 for landline services.
Mobile Providers
Proximus: In addition to its landline services, Proximus also provides mobile services in Belgium. The company offers both prepaid and postpaid plans, as well as broadband internet and television. Proximus is known for its high-speed data and extensive network coverage. Proximus can be contacted at 0800 55 800 for mobile services.
Orange: Orange is one of the largest mobile providers in Belgium and has been operating in the country since 1996. The company provides both prepaid and postpaid mobile services, as well as broadband internet. Orange is known for its competitive pricing and reliable network coverage. Orange can be contacted at 0800 27 007 for mobile services.
Procedure for Arranging Telephone Connection
To arrange a telephone connection in Belgium, you must first choose a telecommunications provider and contact them to set up an account. The provider will ask for your personal information, including your name, address, and identification documents. You may also be asked to provide a deposit, which will be refunded when you close your account.
Once your account has been set up, the provider will send a technician to your home or business to install the necessary equipment. This may include a landline phone, modem, or router, depending on the services you have subscribed to. The technician will also test the equipment to ensure that it is working properly.
The time it takes to set up a telephone connection in Belgium can vary depending on the provider and the type of service you have subscribed to. In some cases, you may be able to get a same-day installation, while in other cases, it may take several days.
Payment Options for Telephone Bills
There are several payment options for telephone bills in Belgium. These include:
Direct Debit: Many providers offer direct debit options, where the bill amount is automatically deducted from your bank account each month. This ensures that bills are paid on time each month without the need for manual payments.
Online Payments: Customers can also pay their telephone bills online using a credit or debit card. This is a convenient option that allows customers to pay their bills from anywhere with an internet connection. Customers can log in to their account on the provider’s website to make a payment.
Bank Transfer: Customers can also pay their telephone bills by bank transfer. This involves transferring the bill amount from your bank account to the provider’s bank account. Customers should ensure that they include their account number and the bill reference number when making the transfer.
In-Person Payments: Customers can make payments in person at the provider’s office or at a designated payment center. Payments can be made using cash, check, or credit/debit card.
It is important to note that failure to pay your telephone bill on time may result in a disruption of service. Customers who are having trouble paying their bills should contact their provider to discuss payment options and avoid service disruptions.
Telephone service in Belgium is readily available to both residents and expatriates, with a variety of providers offering landline and mobile services. Customers can choose from a range of packages to suit their needs, and the process of arranging a telephone connection is relatively straightforward. Payment options for telephone bills are also varied, with direct debit, online payments, bank transfers, and in-person payment options available. Overall, Belgium offers a modern telecommunications infrastructure that is reliable and convenient for users.