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Internet service in Costa Rica has been available for many years now. It might not be what you are used to and might not be at the same cost, but it is available almost everywhere, especially with the Starlink option now. Of course, before you buy a home from us, you first want to know if the internet is available there. Below, you’ll find an up-to-date overview of internet service in Costa Rica.
It’s been only two years since my last update. It’s amazing how fast everything changes now. This blog was originally written in November 2012. However, since the internet service in Costa Rica changes constantly, I decided to make it a more generic article.
Many companies offer Internet services, but only a few cover the whole country. Some are better in certain areas, and others cover only a certain part of the country. We have agents from coast to coast to make it easy for you, so ask your real estate agent who to sign up with.
Many individuals have long cherished the dream of having an uninterrupted internet connection to connect to the world. For those who cannot live without a fast internet connection (who can nowadays?), having internet is as important as having water.
Are you a Resident?
This might surprise you, but many services are only offered to residents and citizens. So, if you are not a resident and do a border run every 6 months, your internet service options are reduced to only a few. Also, if you are not a legal resident, you must pay a higher security deposit for the router box that the cable company will give you. However, residents and non-residents all pay the same cost for any packages you are offered. This is a common way of doing business in Costa Rica, so be aware and check on how to become a resident.
Starlink
You can order your own Starlink dish and have reliable internet from anywhere in the country.
Variations
The internet service packages vary from each other on some specific grounds like:
- the speed,
- duration limit,
- contract length,
- the speed
- limits of downloading
- and usage policies.
The more competitive the internet service market gets, the more companies come up with offers and deals. They must offer excellent service at the most affordable rates to increase sales. Be aware that you may have a contract on a certain speed, but as time goes by, speed improves.
Nonetheless, most internet providers will not upgrade you automatically, so keep track of this and claim an upgrade when possible.
Various Internet Packages
Today, there are various companies in Costa Rica’s market. They offer various exclusive internet service packages. Cable companies can service the internet without signing up for cable TV. Most of these packages come within affordable ranges. Since the prices of those packages change continuously, you’ll have to do your homework.
The most important is to know if you can receive the service without being a resident, so I’ll indicate this behind each option.
Be aware that they’re all in the Spanish language:
- Kölbi – Residential or Business– Cable TV, Internet & cellphone only for Citizens, Residents or Incorporated
- Tigo – Residential or Business – Cable TV, Internet & cellphone only for Citizens, Residents or Incorporated
- Claro – Residential or Business – Cable TV and Internet with cédula, Dimex, or passport – Cellphone only prepaid.
- Liberty – Residential or Business – Cable TV, Internet, and phone with cédula, Dimex, or passport
- Telecable – Residential or Business – Cable TV and Internet with cédula, Dimex, or passport
- Metrocom – Residential or Business – Cable TV and internet with cédula, Dimex, or passport
- Supercable – Residential or Business – Their salespeople haven’t responded if you need to be a resident or not
- Teki – Residential or Business – Cable TV and Internet only for Citizens, Residents or Incorporated
- Fibra en Casa – Residential only – Cable TV and Internet with cédula, Dimex, or passport
- CRWiFi – Residential or Business – Internet with cédula, Dimex, or passport
- RACSA – Business – with cédula or Dimex only
- Itellum – Business – with cédula or Dimex only
- American Data Networks – Residential or Business – with cédula or Dimex only
Your Needs
Determine your needs and your location before you choose an internet provider. It is very important to determine your necessities first and then understand what internet service is and how it can be used.
Your selection will obviously depend upon your needs. If you need to access the web almost 24×7, or a higher speed, you might need a business plan.
When the internet provider comes to get the paperwork done, make sure you know the speed and downloading limit the company will offer.
Author’s Bio: although I have continuously updated this article, the original writer was Myke Thomas. Myke is a freelance writer, professional blogger, and social media enthusiast. His blog focuses on telecom bloggers and technology bloggers.
