The Wind or Rain could kill your internet
I Need the Internet
There is just no other way to put it. When I first visited and was thinking about moving to Costa Rica my main objective was to test the Internet. I knew that I would need to live next to a bigger city in order to have a better more reliable connection. Things were OK to start.
Currently I am paying about $130 per month to Amnet for my Internet services, not including what I pay for the cable TV which I never watch. Unfortunately I have to have cable in order to have the Internet from Amnet. For this price I get 4MB download and 1MB upload (which is very important for my Vonage phone). This speed SUCKS, really. I am used to having 8/4 or better, but whatever I could manage, until now..
What’s the Problem?
Since the change happened for me, last week, I have had the worse Internet problems you can imagine. Every hour the internet “freezes” and all communications drop for 3 to 5 minutes. If I am on a phone call, C-Ya! If I am uploading a file, Later!
Considering this is what I do all day and everyday, this is a major problem for me. So I started checking a few things out. First thing I noticed was they are giving me an IP address from Guatemala and my DNS servers are in Costa Rica. This is taking my latency from a normal 100ms to a crazy 300+ms.
Give me my Costa Rican IP back PLEASE!
ICE Runs the Monopoly
I was reading an article the other day about Internet and Communications in Costa Rica, and it opened my eyes a little. I was under the impression that the CAFTA agreement would help competition and eventually bring faster speeds and lower prices to the country. Although this may happen, it seems that it may not happen soon enough for me.
I am dieing here, really. I need to know which ‘net service will be the most reliable for me, that also supports a minimum 1mb upload speed.
Does anyone know who I should use? Can I go directly to ICE and would that be best?
Photo Source
I have ultra reliable 2 MB p/s up here in Tilaran. $45 a month.
Lemme guess. Your another one living in Guatemala….central valley… who was told they live in Costa Rica ? lOL
@Doug : Ha ha, I spoke with them today and they said all of our traffic is being routed through Guatemala because they are “having problems”. Yeah, they dumped Racsa and now don’t know what to do…
I moved to Panama.
@Jim : Pura Vida, Tocayo! :)
Sound like a nightmare!! slow internet!!
@Graham : Are you telling me, this is killing me!!!
Whatever you do, dont ever consider going with Skylynx Communications if you think you have problems now. I paid $180 for almost 2 years straight for 256k connection meanwhile receiving approx. 60% downtime. Every single day I am down but yet they still want the full amount come payday! I have lots of information on this subject here on my site if you want to read some more. Costa Rica News
@Dom : I think I have to stick with Amnet to get the fastest ‘net, but deal with the growing pains.
That title sounds familiar.
Hi Jim,
I've got the same problem with my Internet service here in CR and I also use AMNET. Like you, a large chunk of my life is spent on the Internet and so reliability and speed are important.
Both of my sons-in-law and my stepson here are in computer/programming/Internet businesses and so I naturally looked to them for advice when I was trying to decide which way to go. Unfortunately, it seems there is no ideal way at the moment. As you observed, it's a monopoly and until something breaks, it is what it is and the best of it is as good as it gets.
I hope you find something better. And if you do, I'd be very appreciative if you'd post the info her or let me know.
Bill, I will keep you updated if something good happens. I am happy right now with my Miami IP address and the speed is where I want it. But, who knows for how long.
I am waiting for Dec 14th and 3G. Then we can have some real net access with a 3g modem or an iPhone..
Bill, I will keep you updated if something good happens. I am happy right now with my Miami IP address and the speed is where I want it. But, who knows for how long.
I am waiting for Dec 14th and 3G. Then we can have some real net access with a 3g modem or an iPhone..
hi jim, wondering if you noticed any improvements or have been able to tryout the 3G rollout you mentioned down there?
fwiw, i was in costa rica for 3.5 weeks in january of this year. rented a place near jaco above playa hermosa. they had what i believe was phone line based broadband and i didn’t have a single problem for my entire stay. i actually had more issues with electricity but luckily had a ups to keep things humming along.
am planning another trip down to the puntarenas region for a longer stay and trying to find a backup solution in case i just got lucky previously.
thanks, mark
Hello Mark,
I can tell you that I am on the “new” Amnet, which is no better. The thing is they seem to do their work during the day instead or normal ISPs. I do not have 3G yet, but I have a friend who says it works great. You get a USB 3G modem for about 17k colones per month. Should(???) work anywhere and it has for my friend so far.
I think that would be a better solution for you, especially in the Puntarenas area, as there is cell coverage there. It will most likely be faster than the ‘net you can get at the hotels, so it may end up being the only connection you need..
Have fun on your return trip…
great, thanks jim, that’s the info i was looking for (re:3G).
although, have been reading some funky things about not being able to get service if you’re a foreigner? i found these guys http://www.cellulartelephonerentals.com/3G/3gdata.htm, but it seems a little steep compared to what ICE is charging… i guess if that’s the only way i can get it though.
have you heard anything about being able to rent pre-paid sims, or usb sticks with 3G for people who aren’t resident’s through ICE directly? have been combing the internet and forums, but seems so new not much info out there yet. ICE website is pretty useless.
thanks again, mark
Mark,
Hmm, I heard that when you enter Costa Rica via airport (SJO) a foreigner can now get a sim card. Unfortunately I can’t say if that is 100 percent true though. I think you should check out this site (http://www.therealcostarica.com) and his blog (http://blog.therealcostarica.com/). I remember reading one of Tim’s last posts saying he has switched all of his clients to 3G. Maybe, if you get in touch with him (he does answer emails) he can help you to pre order one for your trip.
At least he is holding a 3G in his hand and should have much more detailed info for you. I hope that helps and if you find a resolution, I would love to hear about it.
Jim