Internet access is a telecommunications service. Under Decree-Law No. 15/2012, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) follow the same rules as other telecom service providers.
What ANC does
- Registers ISPs. A company that wants to sell Internet access, by fibre, wireless or satellite, must register with ANC (Article 30). Its registration certificate lists the services it may offer, the areas it covers and its obligations. ANC has registered several new ISPs since 2024, including satellite providers.
- Licenses satellite Internet terminals. Since Decree-Law No. 31/2024, the dishes and terminals that connect customers directly to satellites are covered by one general licence given to the registered provider, not one licence per customer (Article 61).
- Supports a national Internet Exchange Point (IXP). An IXP lets local networks exchange traffic inside Timor-Leste, so local traffic does not have to travel abroad. This makes the Internet faster and cheaper. ANC works with operators and ISPs on the Timor-Leste Internet Exchange (TLIX).
- Works on cybersecurity. ANC works with the ITU and the national Computer Security Incident Response Team (TLCSIRT): it runs cybersecurity seminars, took part in the ITU CIRT maturity assessment in 2024 and joins international cyber drills.
- Publishes Internet statistics: subscribers, penetration, international bandwidth and coverage.
Stay safe online
ANC will never ask you for a PIN, a password or an OTP code. Learn how to recognise scams and protect yourself.
