Originally operating as (under the former Companhia de Telecomunicações de Cabo ), the service rebranded to BESnet Azores following a restructuring. The goal was clear: to bring cable TV and broadband internet to the main islands—São Miguel, Terceira, Faial, Pico, and São Jorge—using a hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network.
In the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, nine volcanic islands form the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores. While famous for their stunning green landscapes, crater lakes, and dairy farming, these islands face a unique challenge: geographic isolation. For decades, reliable, high-speed internet was a dream for residents and businesses. Enter BESnet dos Açores (now part of NOS Açores ), a company that played a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide across the region. A Brief History: From Banking to Broadband The name "BESnet" traces its roots to the former Banco Espírito Santo (BES), a major Portuguese banking group. BES had a diversified portfolio that included telecommunications. In the Azores, the brand became synonymous with cable television and internet services during the late 1990s and early 2000s. besnet dos açores
For visitors and new residents, don’t be confused if an older local says, “I have BESnet at home.” They mean high-speed internet—proof that good service, and a strong brand, is not easily forgotten. This article is for informational purposes. BESnet dos Açores is no longer an active brand; all services are now provided by NOS Portugal in the Azores region. Originally operating as (under the former Companhia de