Internet Service in Playa del Carmen

John · #1 (**permalink**) 04-15-2008, 12:48 PM

This conversation was split from a previous thread about Cablemas and Vonage problems. What follows is a general discussion of internet service providers in Playa del Carmen.

We will probably sign up for Telmex DSL soon. The delay has always been the time it takes to get a line installed. Add to that uncertainty about whether our landlord will kick us out when the house (currently for sale) sells.

Out of curiosity, does anyone know if you can get just DSL, or am I required to get a phone number as well? With cable, we had to pay for television service for 6 months without even having a television, because there was no option for paying only for internet service.

heardling · #2 (**permalink**) 04-21-2008, 04:45 PM

Yes, you can get only DSL. We had it, but I must say, we had more problems with our VOIP phone with Telmex than we have had with Cablemas. It is impossible to be on the phone and use the computer at the same time - the connection was very poor. Just thought I'd let you know. Good luck!

John · #3 (**permalink**) 04-21-2008, 05:38 PM

I'm finding that the location of your Telmex connection plays a role in the strength of your signal. A client of mine has Telmex in Playacar and is paying for 2Mb down / 256kbps up - she's getting 350kbps down, 70kbps up. Vonage recommends 90kbps for good voice quality. Where were you living when you had your bad experience with Telmex?

Since our business (website development / computer consulting) relies heavily on Internet access, we're considering paying for both DSL and Cable internet and using whichever one is working better, or working, on any given day.

Francis · #4 (**permalink**) 05-11-2008, 11:28 PM

John,

I am not in Playa now but we'll be moving to our new condo on a few months. I also work in IT so a good internet connection is my greatest concern about our (permanent) move.

Sprint wireless EVDO (cell phone data network) is apparently available in Playa, have you looked into that as a backup?

Sprint Announces EVDO Data Roaming in Canada and Mexico : EVDOinfo.com

Francis

John · #5 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 12:47 AM

I have not seen any advertisements for Sprint's EVDO plan. However, there is a company providing EVDO called BAM for a reasonable fee. I have more information on that if anyone is interested. Thanks for your link - I'll check it out.

Unfortunately, EVDO solutions are intended for laptop (portable) use, and the PC Card or USB connector will only help to keep one of our computers online at a time. That would work for Skype on the laptop, but not for Vonage.

What brings you to Playa? Will you be working here or working remotely?

Francis · #6 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 10:56 AM

John,

There are EVDO routers:
EVDO Products : EVDOinfo.com

I like Playa's weather, amenities, lack of tall buildings and reasonable cost of living.

Francis

John · #7 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 01:10 PM

Thanks for the info on the EVDO routers. That option sounds much more appealing now.

Kami · #8 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John

I have not seen any advertisements for Sprint's EVDO plan. However, there is a company providing EVDO called BAM for a reasonable fee. I have more information on that if anyone is interested. Thanks for your link - I'll check it out.

Unfortunately, EVDO solutions are intended for laptop (portable) use, and the PC Card or USB connector will only help to keep one of our computers online at a time. That would work for Skype on the laptop, but not for Vonage.

What brings you to Playa? Will you be working here or working remotely?

John, Can you send me the information for BAM? I'm looking for an internet solution for myself when I move to Puerto Aventuras this summer.

John · #9 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 05:40 PM

I started a new thread with information about the BAM EVDO service in Playa del Carmen:
http://intheroo.com/playa-del-carmen...html#post30865

marissab · #10 (**permalink**) 06-30-2008, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John

, 70Kb up. Vonage recommends 90Kb for good voice quality. .

Hi. Maybe I should direct this question just to John but...
Today my cablemas upload spead was at something horrible like 30! or 40 kb.
I know my inernet was super slow today...

And in turn my Vonage was horrible.

Anyone know if you can call cablemas to talk about internet problems and line problems? Or do you have to go to the office to talk?

If you do call, what is the number. And does anyone speak english?

My phone service is so bad my clients can't even speak with me today.

Like I said my calbemas service was HORRIBLY SLOW today. Worse than normal.

How do I fix it?

PlayaWithMe · #11 (**permalink**) 06-30-2008, 09:45 PM

You guys might want to try TCP Optimizer and see if it bumps it up at all.....It's free.

SpeedGuide.net :: TCP Optimizer / Downloads

marissab · #12 (**permalink**) 06-30-2008, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlayaWithMe

You guys might want to try TCP Optimizer and see if it bumps it up at all.....It's free.

SpeedGuide.net :: TCP Optimizer / Downloads

Hi. I'm so not computer savvy. Will this work with a vista operating system?

thanks for the suggestion.

PlayaWithMe · #13 (**permalink**) 06-30-2008, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marissab

Hi. I'm so not computer savvy. Will this work with a vista operating system?

thanks for the suggestion.

It did with mine.....Run a speed test first before you install it......Then run it again after to see if their is a difference...It made mine fly.......

PlayaWithMe · #14 (**permalink**) 06-30-2008, 09:56 PM

Speedtest.net - The Global Broadband Speed Test

John · #15 (**permalink**) 06-30-2008, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marissab

Hi. Maybe I should direct this question just to John but...
Today my cablemas upload spead was at something horrible like 30! or 40 kb.
I know my inernet was super slow today...

Oh, I know the feeling. Cablemas is so inconsistent. You are not going to have optimal voice quality unless you are up near 90 kbs.

Quote:

Anyone know if you can call cablemas to talk about internet problems and line problems? Or do you have to go to the office to talk?

If you do call, what is the number. And does anyone speak english?

I believe the tech support for Cablemas is handled in D.F., and I have had luck asking for an English speaking technician. You may have to try a few times before you hit the jackpot. The main Cablemas number in Playa is 984-873-3360, one of the options is for tech support.

Chances are that they will not be able to provide you with much support over the phone. Bandwidth problems typically involve a visit. They should be able to schedule an appointment with a local tech, see if you can ask for an English speaking one.

Give them a call and see if they can recommend a course of action.

Please, keep me posted on the outcome.

PlayaWithMe · #16 (**permalink**) 06-30-2008, 11:31 PM

Interesting that they have to come out to deal with bandwidth......Here they just open up the line to increase it........

John · #17 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlayaWithMe

Interesting that they have to come out to deal with bandwidth......Here they just open up the line to increase it........

Oh, they won't come out to increase the bandwidth, they'll be coming out to tell her that there is nothing wrong with her line. Sorry, I'm a pessimist tonight.