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Land LinesThere are several telephone companies in Belgium, but to be connected to the land line network, an initial subscription must be taken with Belgacom the national Belgian telephone company. Belgacom offers telephone and Internet services for private individuals and small companies as well as medium and large entities.
Once a contract has been signed with Belgacom, the customer is free to choose services from any provider. Many providers offer Internet and mobile phone services as well as land line services, and most offer packages incorporating all three. To get a land line service with BelgacomTo subscribe to Belgacom and get connected to the land line network: phone or fill out a form on the Internet or at a Belgacom shop. Subscribers must be over 18 and must provide proof of identity. It will be necessary to pay part of the connection costs in advance by credit card if applying for a line by telephone. Belgacom will assign a telephone number and set up an appointment with a technician who will come and connect the line - this may take up to 10 days. Bills are then sent every two months and must be paid within 15 days.
Other land line telephone service providersBesides Belgacom the main service providers in Belgium are:
Mobile TelephonesThere are three major service providers for mobile telephones in Belgium. Each company offers a range of services and packages, and it is always recommended to compare tariffs and conditions carefully before entering into a contract. International roaming (which allows a phone on a Belgian contract to work outside the country) is available, but must be requested and may cost extra. In order to obtain a mobile phone contract, go to the relevant shop and provide:
There is a choice of either a permanent contract at a fixed monthly rate, or a rechargeable/pay as you go card where the phone card must be topped up regularly with additional credit. Mobile telephone companies
Lost or stolen mobile phonesAll mobile phones have a unique code, the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) code. This belongs to the handset and is associated with the SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) card, which holds the telephone number assigned to a customer.
The IMEI number provides protection if a phone is lost or stolen. The IMEI code is clearly shown on the paperwork at time of purchase. Note it down and keep it separate from the telephone. Alternatively, enter *#06# into the telephone to display the IMEI number. The loss or theft of a mobile phone must be reported to the service provider. Give the IMEI number or details of the SIM card, and the service provider will suspend service and block the telephone, making it impossible for anyone else to use it. The phone may also be traced. The owner is responsible for payment for any calls made until the SIM is blocked unless they have taken out appropriate insurance with the supplier. If the phone is stolen, a declaration must be made at the nearest police station; the police will also require the IMEI number. InternetAs in many other European countries, Internet use is widespread in Belgium. Many fixed-line and mobile telephone companies offer Internet packages which vary from unlimited Broadband (ADSL) to fixed time (for example four hours per month). Wi-Fi is also available in many public areas, such as Brussels Airport and in some Internet cafés and bars. To take out an Internet subscription apply online, or visit the nearest branch of the chosen provider. A piece of ID, proof of address and bank account details are necessary. Main Internet providers include:Further Information
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