WiFi Internet Access

Wireless Internet Access — WiFi (wiki) – is the technology which transformed the way in which people communicated with each other across the Internet while on the move.   The service began to appear at airports and other public spaces and, with the advent of high-speed internet access at home, manufacturers began to sell WiFi-enabled modems so that consumers could create a WiFi hotspot in their homes.   Today, all new laptops are sold with WiFi functionality built-in and WiFi connections are available in a wide variety of public spaces including airports, coffee shops, diners, public libraries, civic buildings, et al.

Finding WiFi Internet Access in Mexico

WiFi hotspots are widely available across Mexico, and even in some of the more rural areas.  Here are some current notes about how to go about getting connected to WiFi hotspots in Mexico:

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 will need to purchase an access token online.

Coffee Shops and bistros across Mexico offer WiFi access.  Starbucks used to offer free WiFi, but has recently signed a contract with Telmex to replace its free-access wireless modems with Telmex’s commercial service.   So to browse the net at Starbucks you now need an account or buy a token online (as per airport access).

Independent coffee shops across Mexico continue to offer 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 (wiki), who owns a majority share of Mexico’s telephone company, also owns Sanborns, so you’ll need a Telmex account for access.  As an alternative, the VIPS diners, owned and managed by Wal-Mart, offer free WiFi at many of their establishments.

Most of the better hotels in Mexico now offer WiFi access to guests.  Ironically, many of the up-scale accommodations charge guests between US$10 and US$20 per day for access, whereas smaller, independent, hotels in Mexico tend to offer WiFi access free of additional charges.

To date, we know of no bus stations in Mexico which offer WiFi access.  Bus stations in Mexico don’t lend themselves to laptop use in the same way as airports and coffee shops do.

WiFi for extended stays in Mexico 

If you plan to stay in Mexico for an extended period of time, there are three potential options for you to consider:

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 througout Mexico (for example, at the airports, Starbucks, Sanborns, et al) as well as in the USA through roaming agreements Telmex has with US WiFi network operators, for example, AT&T and T-Mobile.   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.

e-Go Service: If you will be in Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara or Toluca, but do not have a telephone line at a home or office to contract the internet service through, there exists an alternative for you to use in the form of city-wide networks, created and managed by e-Go, dedicated to providing internet access without the need for a phone or cable line.   You will need to plug in a special external modem to your computer (which the supplier provides) in order to access the service as the WiFi card in your computer will not be able to access the signal.  Plans are available on a monthly basis and you can pay by credit card.   www.ego.net.mx   

Also See:

Guide to Communications in Mexico

Blog: Low Cost Phone Calls in Mexico