Internet Service in Playa del Carmen

[marissab]

John,

Here is what I learned.
no matter what your download speed with cablemas the upload highest is said to be only 128..nothing better.

of cousre mine at 58 is horrible even with (and Still) at highest download.


I just thought it interesting that a higher download with them does not equate to faster upload.


ERRRRR... I'm mad.

[PlayaWithMe]

In the States If they say 6mb downolad and you get say 4mb they consider that within the scope of 6mb.....I went round and round with them about this and they said I was to far away from the box.....Something like three thousand feet...But that was where I use to live.....those closer to the box get a higher speed. I now get 10mb down and 1mb up where I live now... I have noticed depending on where we stay in Playa I get different speeds from open signals....The last place between 6th and 8th off of 5th I got an excellent connection but had to put my usb hub out on the balcony.

Do any of you guys use a WIFI modem? Or are you all connected by a cable/phone line to the back of your computers? Bottom line it is up the the provider to open up the line to allow the speed to increase so you can get a higher speed.

[Francis]

1MBit/s = 128KBytes/s. I get only 820 KBits up here in Canada. They don't even offer better upload speeds.

Is Telmex offering better upload speed?

[Libby]

Originally Posted by Francis

1MBit/s = 128KBytes/s. I get only 820 KBits up here in Canada. They don't even offer better upload speeds.

Is Telmex offering better upload speed?

Yes, if you sign up for one of their business plans. You can get 4Mbs down and 768kbs up for $1,199 a month. That cost is in addition to the telephone plan which is required.
Servicios de Acceso a Internet de Banda Ancha para su empresa - ADSL

Is Telmex providing service in Xcalacoco?

[John]

Originally Posted by Francis

1MBit/s = 128KBytes/s. I get only 820 KBits up here in Canada. They don't even offer better upload speeds.

Is Telmex offering better upload speed?

Ok, we're getting a little technical in this discussion... guess we need some clarification.
1Mbs = 128Kbs or
1Mbs = 1024kbs (or kbps)

big K vs small k is important!

When we refer to Cablemas, we do unfortunately mean 128kbs upload (16Kbs), not 1Mbs (128Kbs). 1Mbs (128Kbs) would be fabulous!

I believe Telmex offers 384kbs (48Kbs) as their max upload speed. However, Telmex is not as prevalent outside of downtown Playa.

Edited to say, I've heard rumors that it's not easy to get the business plan that Libby referred to. I believe 384kbs is the highest rate available for non-business use.

[John]

Originally Posted by PlayaWithMe

Do any of you guys use a WIFI modem? Or are you all connected by a cable/phone line to the back of your computers?

The max bandwidth of 802.11b is 10Mbs, 802.11g is 54Mbs (most common wireless network these days), and 802.11a or 802.11n are even higher. With a max internet connection of 2Mbs or 3Mbs, hooking directly into a router or cable modem is not going to (noticably) increase your web surfing speed compared to a typical Wifi connection on an 802.11b network.

[Francis]

Originally Posted by Libby

Yes, if you sign up for one of their business plans. You can get 4Mbs down and 768kbs up for $1,199 a month. That cost is in addition to the telephone plan which is required.
Is Telmex providing service in Xcalacoco?

Yes they were wiring up the place in March. I hope it works as advertised, 16Kbps is scary!

They even have E3 lines (34 Mbps). I wonder how much those cost, it seems to be $1883 + usage.
Acceso Dedicado -Internet Directo Empresarial- Informaci?n y Tarifas

[marissab]

Originally Posted by John

I believe Telmex offers 384kbs (48Kbs) as their max upload speed. However, Telmex is not as prevalent outside of downtown Playa.

Edited to say, I've heard rumors that it's not easy to get the business plan that Libby referred to. I believe 384kbs is the highest rate available for non-business use.

Hi. I spoke with Solomon this morning who lives near me. he said he uses Telemex and has good service!!! And good vonage connections too!. Not sure but I think Telemex is how I'm going to have to go soon!

[Libby]

Just an FYI. When you sign a contract with Telmex, you agree that you will not use Vonage or any other VOIP system, and that such usage may result in a discontinuation of service. Of course, a lot of people are doing it anyway. If you have Telmex and ever call for service, just make sure you don't mention that you're using Vonage/VOIP.

[Libby]

Originally Posted by Francis

Yes they were wiring up the place in March. I hope it works as advertised, 16Kbps is scary!

They even have E3 lines (34 Mbps). I wonder how much those cost, it seems to be $1883 + usage.
Acceso Dedicado -Internet Directo Empresarial- Informaci?n y Tarifas

As John mentioned though, it may not be easy to get one of their business plans, especially in a new development. According to their technical requirements, aside from having a specialized router, it sounds like they may have to run fiber optic cables to your home/business for the E3 line. If you do contact Telmex about it, please let us know what they say!

[marissab]

Originally Posted by Libby

Just an FYI. When you sign a contract with Telmex, you agree that you will not use Vonage or any other VOIP system, and that such usage may result in a discontinuation of service. Of course, a lot of people are doing it anyway. If you have Telmex and ever call for service, just make sure you don't mention that you're using Vonage/VOIP.

Nice to know...

[PlayaWithMe]

Have any of you guys tried Skype? It really is a great program and does the same thing as other voip applications.......

[Francis]

Originally Posted by PlayaWithMe

Have any of you guys tried Skype? It really is a great program and does the same thing as other voip applications.......

I have tried Skype many times when traveling and it's always been disappointing. I used their SkypeOut which lets us dial to a landline but it does not sound all that great. I can always tell when someone calls me from Skype. The voice quality is never as good as Vonage or Packet8.

So: it's okay for casual talks but I would not rely on it for anything more.

[Francis]

Originally Posted by Libby

As John mentioned though, it may not be easy to get one of their business plans, especially in a new development. According to their technical requirements, aside from having a specialized router, it sounds like they may have to run fiber optic cables to your home/business for the E3 line. If you do contact Telmex about it, please let us know what they say!

They most likely have something like E3 on the site because they have WiFi in 14 buildings and an upscale (i.e. expensive) image to defend. I will find out only once I arrive but it might be an option if (big if) Telmex lets me subscribe to that service as an individual.

I'll be a little far away but wouldn't that make a great private WiMAX network for a small group of PdC residents?

[Babaloo]

Originally Posted by Francis

They most likely have something like E3 on the site because they have WiFi in 14 buildings and an upscale (i.e. expensive) image to defend.

oh...if that were only true

[PlayaWithMe]

Originally Posted by Francis

I have tried Skype many times when traveling and it's always been disappointing. I used their SkypeOut which lets us dial to a landline but it does not sound all that great. I can always tell when someone calls me from Skype. The voice quality is never as good as Vonage or Packet8.

So: it's okay for casual talks but I would not rely on it for anything more.

Really....I have never had issues other then the people that I have called may have not had a good mic......I talk to Rach often who lives in the UK and she sounds like she is in the room with me.....Have also called family from Playa who live in the states and the audio was just fine when calling to a land line or cell......Have never used anything like vontage or packet so would not have anyting to compare it to.......Hope you guys get your issues worked out.