Communication in Honduras

In everyday life, people in Honduras mainly communicate in person, by telephone, SMS, chats and social networks. Formal communication with authorities and institutions is conducted mostly in Spanish. In mobile communication, the terms mobile cellular telephony (telefonía móvil celular) and PCS are commonly used. The national telecommunications authority (CONATEL) supervises authorized providers and user protection. This includes information about prices, network coverage and contract conditions, keeping one's own telephone number when changing providers, possible price reductions or compensation, and continuation of service while a complaint is pending. Providers must be able to unlock a mobile phone; after loss or theft, the device or connection can be blocked. Number portability is established. For a telecommunications problem, the user should first contact the provider. If the issue is not resolved, CONATEL can be contacted within 90 business days. There is a web portal, the number 2232-9600 and email; the free user line 185 is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 16:00. The state postal company (HONDUCOR) sends ordinary letters and parcels within Honduras and abroad, as well as registered mail and EMS shipments. EMS offers tracking and a compensation scheme. For 2023, 90 post offices are listed: one central office, 19 first-class offices, 15 second-class offices and 55 agencies. Prices depend on weight, destination and service; a uniform nationwide delivery time is not documented and should be checked with the relevant office. Digital communication and government services are established, but they are not equally accessible everywhere. In 2025, the Honduran statistics office (INE) recorded internet access for 62.0% of the population during the preceding three months. Among internet users recorded in 2024, 89.0% used the internet for communication, 89.4% through a mobile device and 95.8% through an internet connection at home. DIGER’s Single Procedures Portal (Portal Único de Trámites) is available through the web and mobile devices around the clock and is optimized for slow connections. It lists requirements, steps, costs, estimated processing time, legal basis and the responsible institution. Because of regional and social access gaps, telephone and in-person channels remain necessary. For contact with authorities, individual institutions provide their own websites, telephone numbers and email addresses. The national emergency number (SNE-911) is the only nationwide emergency number and is available free of charge around the clock. It is intended for genuine emergencies; the caller should state the exact location and what happened. SNE-911 coordinates the police, medical assistance, fire service and civil protection. Emergency data that are confidential by law do not replace ordinary information or complaint channels. The national human rights office (CONADEH) accepts complaints and requests for advice nationwide around the clock at the free number 132. Reports can be made by telephone, online, email, in writing, in person and through mobile units; anonymous complaints may be permitted. For an examination, it is helpful to provide the date, location, circumstances, authority involved and available evidence. CONADEH investigates or forwards cases, but it does not replace the emergency number 911. For people with disabilities, Honduran requirements, including Decree 160-2005 (Decreto 160-2005) and the national disability policy, provide for accessible public information. SEDESOL and DIGEDEPDI work in this area, among other things, with Honduran Sign Language (LESHO), Braille, alternative and augmentative communication methods, and interpreters. CONADEH nevertheless reports a lack of interpreters, limited resources and information barriers. If a standard channel does not work, written communication, chat, relay services or a support person may be considered; an interpreter or an accessible format can also be requested expressly.