Soon to be islander (crosses fingers)

[versengeteriks]

Few silly questions I wanted to clear up before I move.

Phone connection plugs, are they the same as uk, Rj11, mainly so I can bring my own phone/modems routers etc.

Do any of you guys have electrical kit that suffer static problems? as I know the electrical system isn't earthed from the plugs. How do you get around it or am I gonna have to earth wire my new house?

Mobile phones. Is it worth me bringing a uk mobile? Im on Orange uk at present on an unlocked phone. Will a Spanish Orange Sim work and will it charge local rates?

I understand the environmental issues on electrical items out there are different. Sand, Heat etc. But do you find items breaking down more regularly or have you not noticed any issues? Only Concern is due to my stonkingly hot I7 laptop in the heat. Cant fit a fan in it so i'm wondering if it'll be worth a CPU downgrade.

I have more normal questions to ask too but ill do those on the relevant pages.

thx
trix

[PHo]

Phone plugs are RJ11 (square), but not the rectangular BT plugs used to connect to the outside line in the UK.

I have never had static problems. I think you will find that your house electrical system is fully earthed. Mine is and it is 25 years old. The sockets are round with two pin holes, but on the rim there are two earth connections.  Many appliances these days are double insulated, and do not need earthing. They are supplied with flat two pin plugs that fit the round sockets but do not use the earth connection.  You can buy round plugs which can connect correctly to three pin cable, or UK to continental adaptors use all three.  Both are available cheaply in Fue.

A Spanish SIM will work in an unlocked phone. You will needed ID to buy one, even payg.

I have not noticed any difference in longevity of electrical devices between Fue and UK.  Never had any problems from overheating either.  The only issue we have is that our electric supply is limited to 25amps, and so can sometimes overload, if the washing machine, boiler and oven are all on together for instance.  We could pay more for a bigger supply but have never felt it would be worth it for us.

Hope this helps. Enjoy your move and the Island, Trix

[versengeteriks]

Many thanks PHo.

Hehe, I thought those metal side bits on plugs were just clips to hold the plugs in place. The locals are more cunning than I expected  . Ive got a bit to learn about Spanish electrical systems then.

So the standard house supply is only 25 amps? I was looking into solar options and that definitely makes me more inclined. Oh and to use the BBQ more often than the oven.

I suspect ill need some kind of Licence or planning permission for going solar. Ill have a look at the relevant section on the forum for that info though. Im not planning to go completely off grid, just a UPS or something to kick in during the power slowdowns, cuts and breaks breaks i've heard about. And maybe run the pool/outside lights charge the power tools etc etc.

Another question here though. What sort of timescale should I expect to get connected for internet and phone? Any Suggestions for which companies to go for, or to avoid would be helpful too. The house has a line in already, I just need to get it connected and on the net. Good speed and download rate would be great too. Since Im an internet addict and download all my tv for later. Any info would be useful.

trix

[duggiesdad]

If you take a look here www.telefonicainenglish.com should tell you all about internet  and t.v.

[SheilaW]

Just remember that whoever owns the telephone line to your property holds all the aces. That's Telefonica/Movistar. They used to have a monopoly and now they have to accept that companies like Europa and Telefonicainenglish (NOT part of Telefonica) can offer internet deals. But it's the state-run company that has to make the connection. Now, who do you think gets priority when there's anything at all needing to be done? I had same-day connection at my first house, same week here. I know others with competing companies have had to wait several weeks; and that applies every time an engineer needs to come out - Telefonica/Movistar seem to misunderstand directions, fall ill, bring the wrong parts... Sad but true, and maybe understandable.

By the way, I've had great service from ringing 1004 - you just keep saying "English" or "Ingles" into the phone and the recorded message switches to English and you get connected to someone who may have great English or may be very difficult to understand - it varies.

[versengeteriks]

Thanks SheilaW. Exactly the sort insider information I was after.

[potash]

Vodafone have invested 75 million euros bringing there  own fibra cable  from Spain  under the sea already available to business might already be available.

[Frank01]

just checked the vodafone site, it looks like all you can get is 10Mb for about 50 bucks a month...just wow

[versengeteriks]

update. turns out my house has no phone line.

also unlikely to get one as the local exchange has a waiting list for new lines.

but We got it sorted. 

Local wifi company. I wont post their details as they have asked me not to tell to many people as they are a really small firm. But their system is 4mb BW unlimited downloads. Works well enough for me.