MEO eSIM — coverage, plans & network
Portugal
Key highlights
- Portugal's largest mobile operator, heir of the incumbent Portugal Telecom
- Mobile network founded as TMN in 1991 — Portugal's first mobile operator; unified as MEO in 2014
- Owned by Altice Portugal, headquartered in Lisbon
- 4G covers nearly the whole population, including Madeira and the Azores; 5G live since late 2021
- AviaeSIM travel eSIMs connect to the MEO network nationwide
About the operator
MEO is Portugal's leading mobile operator, owned by Altice Portugal. AviaeSIM prepaid travel eSIMs connect to the MEO network with no roaming fees. The brand is the heir of the incumbent Portugal Telecom: its mobile network began as TMN in 1991 — Portugal's first mobile operator — and the group's services were unified under the MEO name in 2014, a year before Altice acquired PT Portugal.
Headquartered in Lisbon, MEO holds the largest share of Portugal's mobile market ahead of Vodafone Portugal and NOS, and runs fixed broadband and television alongside mobile. Its 4G covers nearly the entire population — mainland, Madeira and the Azores included — and commercial 5G went live at the end of 2021 after Portugal's spectrum auction.
For travelers, that means an AviaeSIM plan on the MEO network keeps you online from Lisbon's miradouros and Porto's riverside to Algarve beaches and island hikes — activated with a QR code before you fly, with no store queue or Portuguese paperwork.
- Founded
- 1991
- Headquarters
- Portugal
- Group
- Altice Portugal
- Network
- 4G, 5G
Network & technology
MEO's 4G/LTE network covers nearly the entire Portuguese population, including the Madeira and Azores archipelagos, and its commercial 5G launched at the end of 2021 following Portugal's spectrum auction, with the strongest 5G performance in Lisbon, Porto and the coastal corridors where most visitors travel. In the sparsely populated inland regions, speeds can step down to slower 4G bands, but a usable signal is the norm along roads and in towns.
Reputation & market position
MEO is the market leader of Portuguese mobile, built on the heritage of the state incumbent Portugal Telecom, and a household name that also dominates TV and broadband bundles. Under Altice's ownership since 2015 it has invested heavily in fiber and 5G. Its main rivals, Vodafone Portugal and NOS, contest the cities hard, but MEO's rural and island footprint remains a key advantage.
Pros
- Portugal's largest mobile operator with market-leading coverage
- Signal reaches Madeira and the Azores, not just the mainland
- 5G live in Lisbon, Porto and major coastal areas since late 2021
- An AviaeSIM travel eSIM on MEO activates by QR code — no store queue
Cons
- Inland rural areas can fall back to slower 4G bands
- MEO's own prepaid SIMs are typically sold in stores, which means airport queues for arriving tourists
- Fastest 5G is concentrated in the big cities and along the coast
Available plans
Countries covered
Get your Portugal eSIM from AviaeSIM — instant QR activation, no roaming fees.
How to activate
- 1Choose your destination and a plan on the MEO network
- 2Pay and receive your eSIM QR code by email
- 3Scan the QR code in your phone's settings to install it
- 4Turn on data roaming for the eSIM when you arrive
Frequently asked questions
Does MEO offer eSIM?
Yes. MEO supports eSIM on its tariffs, and customers can get a profile through MEO stores or customer service — a physical SIM can usually be converted as well. For a short trip that route is rarely worth it: an AviaeSIM prepaid travel eSIM connects to the MEO network too, is delivered by email as a QR code within minutes, and needs no Portuguese contract or store visit.
How much does a MEO eSIM cost?
MEO prices its eSIM like the rest of its tariffs — the profile itself is usually a small or free add-on, and the real cost is the plan you attach it to, which changes often, so check MEO's site for current offers. An AviaeSIM travel eSIM on the MEO network is prepaid instead: one fixed payment for a data package, with no monthly fee or roaming charges.
How do I get an eSIM on the MEO network as a tourist?
Getting MEO's own SIM or eSIM usually means visiting a MEO store with your passport once you arrive. The faster option is to buy an AviaeSIM prepaid travel eSIM for Portugal online before you fly: scan the QR code from your email, and the eSIM connects to the local network automatically when you land in Lisbon, Porto or Faro.
Is MEO coverage good across Portugal?
Yes — MEO's 4G reaches nearly the whole population, from Lisbon and Porto to the Algarve, and extends to Madeira and the Azores. 5G is live in the main cities and coastal areas. Deep inland, speeds can drop to slower 4G, but towns and main roads stay connected, so a travel eSIM on this network suits a full Portugal itinerary.
Useful links
Other operators
Information updated: 2026-07