The Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Society has updated the benefits and exemptions for telecommunications services aimed at older adults. The change comes after ARCOTEL, the regulatory agency, approved Resolution Arcotel-2026-0027 on February 9, 2026.
According to the resolution, a discount will apply to the basic plan for mobile phone and internet services. Now, users can access 10GB of free navigation under these plans. For residential internet access (SAI), there is a 50% reduction in the monthly fee for the basic plan at the beneficiary’s home, with a minimum download speed of 100 Mbps.
As outlined by the Organic Law of Older Adults and its regulations, these discounts are intended for people classified as older adults. According to data from INEC, about one and a half million individuals are eligible for these benefits.
For fixed-line telephone service, exemptions will be available on any current commercial plan offered by service providers.
Service providers must also give ongoing information about these benefits through all customer channels. This includes physical offices, phone lines, websites, email communications, account statements, social media platforms, and mobile applications.
These benefits only apply to older adults who make an explicit request to their respective service provider.
Additionally, providers may use ARCOTEL’s National Interoperable Information System to register and verify eligible beneficiaries while maintaining confidentiality according to legal requirements.
ARCOTEL has up to 180 days to enable this national system so that user registration and verification can proceed securely and confidentially. Service providers have two months from publication in the Official Registry to update their systems and implement new plans.
“The National Government reaffirms its commitment to guarantee the rights of older adults by promoting a more equitable and inclusive telecommunications system,” according to an official statement.
