The Ministry of Public Works and Transport, through its General Secretary, is reponsible for the State's postal and telecommunications services.

The management and operation of these distinct public services and the telecommunications' infrastructures are handled by different entities which are specialized in each of the diverse communication sectors.

The most important of all of those operators in the sector of telecommunications is TESA (TELEFONICA DE ESPANA, SOCIEDAD ANONIMA) which is responsible for the management and operation of the telecommunications services through its Telephone Exchange Network, data networks and other services. Telefonica de Espana, S.A. is one of the country's leading companies.

The Spanish Postal and Telegraph Service has over 12,000 offices all over the country, including small villages, railway stations, ports and airports. They provide a wide range of modern and efficient services. The principal offices in Madrid, Barcelona and Bilbao, as well as those located in the international airports, are open 24 hours a day.

The services carried out by the Postal Service are of two fundamental types: those that are purely postal in nature such as those relating to different kinds of correspondence, and those that are known as postal banking services, dealing with money, such as postal and telegraphic money orders. In each office, there is a service called the "Postal List" where one can register to receive all types of correspondence, packages or money orders which, in turn, can be forwarded to hotels or any other address.

The stamps required for mailing correspondence are sold at Post Offices and outlets known as "estancos" which are establishments authorised to sell tobacco, stamps and seals, and which form an extensive network covering practically the entire country.

Concerning Telegraph Services, most postal branch offices offer telegram, telex and telegraph services, for both national and international communications. It is aldo possible to find this type of service in large hotels.