Finding WiFi Internet Access in Mexico
WiFi hotspots are widely available across Mexico, and even in some of the country’s more rural areas. Here are some current notes about how to go about getting connected to WiFi hotspots here:
All of Mexico’s airports have WiFi access, although you will need an account for Telmex’s high-speed internet service known as ‘Infinitum’, or a US airtime provider with whom Telmex has a roaming agreement: there are several including AT&T and Boingo; check with your airtime provider to see if they have an agreement with Telmex. Failing this, you can purchase an access token online from the Telmex portal that presents itself when you connect to the service.
Coffee shops and bistros across Mexico offer WiFi access. Starbucks offers free WiFi – the access password for the branch you visit is provided on your purchase receipt. Almost every independent coffee house across Mexico offers WiFi access free of charge. You simply ask at the counter for the access code and type this into your computer when it asks you for a network key.
Sanborns, which is department-store, restaurant-bar and coffee shop, offers WiFi access at all of its locations across Mexico. Carlos Slim, who owns a majority share of Mexico’s telephone company, also owns Sanborns, so you’ll need a Telmex account for access. Other diners like Vips, Toks and Wings may offer free WiFi access — ask at the diner for details.
Most of the better hotels in Mexico now offer WiFi access to guests. Many of the large chain hotel groups (like Camino Real) charge guests between US$10 and US$20 per day for access whereas smaller, independent, hotels in Mexico tend to offer WiFi access in the nightly room charge.
WiFi for Extended Stays in Mexico
If you plan to stay in Mexico for an extended period of time, or you plan to live in Mexico, there are three potential options for you to consider to get high speed WiFi access in Mexico:
Telmex: Get high-speed internet access through your telephone line with Telmex. The service is called Infinitum and your user ID and password will enable you to access the internet at thousands of Telmex access-points throughout Mexico (for example, at the airports, Sanborns restaurants and bars, etc.) as well as in the USA through roaming agreements Telmex has with US WiFi network operators, for example, AT&T and Boingo. Because of the roaming access, the Telmex internet product is particularly good value for money if you are on the move. www.telmex.com
Cable Operators: Cable is not available outside Mexico’s principal cities and big towns; ask locally for details. Where available, cable operators offer a phone, television and internet package. However they do not offer the roaming access which Telmex offers so if you need internet access on the move, you’ll be better-off choosing the Telmex product.
Wireless Solutions: A number of companies have emerged selling high-speed wireless internet service without the need for a phone line or cable connection. One of the services is called Wiz, check the website for details and coverage areas: www.wiz.com.mx. Mexico’s cellphone networks currently offer good 3G data services nationally and the next generation of data services, known as 4G, is imminent. The 4G technology promises to revolutionize data access on the move with very high data speeds similar to those available across fixed lines. Telmex is currently advertising a “4G-lite” service, but this is nowhere near as fast as true 4G speeds. When the new high speed data technologies are rolled out, having a home phone line for internet access might become altogether optional.
See Also: Guide to Communications in Mexico
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