Internet and WiFi in Nicaragua

Submitted by totalmechanic on 5 October, 2005 - 20:46.

Hello!

I am new to the forum. As I have been researching central America and Nicaragua I have continually come back to this web site and found it very useful in understanding the country. It is far better than any tourist book or travelogue one might find!

I have a question that perhaps maybe one of you can answer: I am planning on visiting the Managua and surrounding area in the near future and was wondering if someone could tell me about internet availability and WiFi in that area? How much coverage is there and what sort of WiFi equipment does one need? Can you use a regular US type 802.11b/g card? If not what can be used?

Thanks!

Greg

‹ Bringing laptop? Internet revisited ›
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Leon UNAN library upper floor

Submitted by Jinoturistica on 23 November, 2006 - 21:06.

On the bench outside the UNAN admissions office next to the library - it doesnt leak outside the building and they turn it off at 6pm.

Nobody seemed to mind me sitting there for an hour.

several cybers in Leon have wireless but they are all secured.

Tony X Robins

WiFi 811g at the Jinotega Tourist Office

Submitted by Jinoturistica on 23 November, 2006 - 16:43.

I leave it on 24x7 so its free before I open at 8am and after 9pm at night or if you sit on the front step. Otherwise its a flat rate 10 cordobas. It even works thru the wall at La Colmena restaurant next door. I dont secure it. Why bother?

Ask me nicely and you even get a free coffee.

Tony X Robins, Jinotega Tourist Office, www.jinotega.com 663 4125

Nice ... Real Nice

Submitted by NicaNix on 23 November, 2006 - 18:14.

You just won the NicaLiving model citizen award! Kudos, Tony. I'm out of Nicaragua at the moment, but will be sure to keep this great gesture in mind then next time I'm in Jinotega.

NicaNix

Normal?

Submitted by Former NL Member on 23 November, 2006 - 19:53.

In Esteli, I used to tap into the wifi at the cyber across the street, free and unsecured. I figured that was normal practice. They shut it off around 9pm, though.

Yes and No

Submitted by NicaNix on 23 November, 2006 - 20:48.

Of course, that's normal for most people.

That said, the model citizen award still stands in my book ... simply because I liked his attitude and spirit!

NicaNix

802.11

Submitted by Pete on 16 December, 2005 - 07:25.

With the b/g IEEE standards, the only difference you are going to find is there are two additional channels available outside of the United States. 99% of the time what you will come across are the same Linksys, DLINK, etc. devices in the United States. Hotel Las Mercedes, directly across the street from the Airport offers free internet access. Last time I was there I asked about wireless and was told it was going to be offered shortly. I'm sure there are cyber cafes all over Managua that have no clue as to how to secure wireless so a little war driving will get you a connection if you are so inclined.

Wi-Fi in Managua

Submitted by NicaNix on 6 October, 2005 - 10:26.

I have cable modem Internet service from Cablenet here in Managua. I am presently totally wireless in the house, including a wireless printer, all on the 802.11/g standard.

About a block from my house, the Hotel Los Balcones offers wireless internet to their guests. I took my laptop there to try it. You have to be in the central area of the grounds for it to work well.

I also read that the Hotel Princess in Managua offers wireless. I don't know about the rest of the hotels.

A year or so ago, I talked with a guy in Granada that was trying to set up an Internet provider that would give service via sattelite with a small antenna receiver installed in your house, and thus avoid the cable line or phone/modem setups. Last I heard, he was still battling the powers that be and present service providers, and hasn't ever got it off the ground!

internet

Submitted by granadinos on 9 October, 2005 - 23:27.

i have turbonett internet in Granada,have an antena, works on microwave system, rarely fails, 512, which for here is quick, and costs $39.99 + iva a month, much better and cheaper than estesa.

internet

Submitted by kjeff on 15 December, 2005 - 17:53.

I am in Aposentillo (north west Pacific coast) and desperatley need internet access at home; otherwise, it is a 45 minute drive to Chinandega. Any tips?

internet

Submitted by slider on 23 November, 2006 - 08:51.

Hi KJEFF - if that is your REAL name, kidding. I am in the same situation you were a while ago, maybe still are. Need internet in a rural area, don´t want to spend $1500 on satellite dish. Did you find a solution? Turbonet doesnt cover where I am, the movistar cell modem, no coverage.. any suggestions greatly appreciated

Tell Me More

Submitted by NicaNix on 10 October, 2005 - 20:59.

I think this is the system the guy was talking to me about. I am interested to learn more ... is it available in Managua, or only in the Granada area?

Availability

Submitted by no longer registered on 11 October, 2005 - 06:12.

NicaNix -- I think you'll find your answers here:

http://www.tmx.com.ni/

Wish they had it in Boaco...

Hmmm.....

Submitted by NicaNix on 11 October, 2005 - 07:19.

Granadinos mentions that he has 512K service for only $39.99 a month. That's interesting, because the link you sent for Enitel's TurboNett Inalámbrico lists a cost of $39.99 per month for 256K service and $74.99 for 512K service. (http://www.enitel.net.ni/turbonett/index.php?id=ina).

I saw their promotion some time ago, but wasn't too disposed due to the high cost of installation of the antenna, etc. Maybe this website is not accurate ... who knows. I'd like to know more specifics. Also, I have been told that Enitel does something to their service so that VoIP doesn't work, and that would be a severe negative for me, because I am a suscriber to iConnectHere VoIP service, with which I have constant telephone connectivity to my family back in the USA. I grant that this might be just a vicious rumour by Cablenet to keep people from switching, it could also be true, given Enitel's dislike of competition.

Any more technical info, anyone?

PS. I was in the EnitelMóvil office the other day and they had a computer set up to promote TurboNett. I don't know if they were using the ASDL setup or the satellite setup, but I was definitely not impressed with the speed that pages loaded.

Help for the Technically Challenged...please

Submitted by Willow on 13 October, 2005 - 12:36.

I'm confused. Antenna ? Does this mean one does not need a land based phone connection ? When I move to Granada, (off shore), I will not have land phone. Thought only the totally unaffordable satellite direct was only option. Here there is a system requiring sbscription and only small attach to computer device (guess because towers/? are local ?). Sorry for needing such basic info...but my field is health sevices and keeping up with that comsumnes my spare time. Thanks

Enitel - House Cellulars -- Internet

Submitted by Miskito Alan on 13 October, 2005 - 14:36.

Miskito Alan says that about 6 months ago; ENITEL had a flat rate program where you use the house cellular tele (not carry around) and paid one monthly rate which inluded all time of 24 hours of the day telephone internet and the company had different flat rates of about 40-50-60 US$ for different internet speeds. The house cellular costs about a total of U$150-200 to purchase.

This may be your answer and I will try to send you more and up-to-date info. Alan.

http://www.enitel.com.ni/

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Well, as John said you can

Submitted by 111 on 4 January, 2006 - 23:27.

Well, as John said you can turn on your wireless card and see what kind of connections(if any) are available in the area you are in. If you are in Managua..Cablenet is setting free Wi-Fi hotspots all over the city. Currently there are many but they are increasing the number daily, heres the link to their site: www.cablenet.com.ni/wifi/

Galeria Santo Domingo

Submitted by NicaNix on 8 January, 2006 - 23:52.

I have gone into the Siman store in the new Galeria Santo Domingo and checked my email on their computers more than once!

Managua: Progressing

Submitted by Miskito Alan on 5 January, 2006 - 06:02.

&#9824 Miskito Alan:

Managua is certainly progressing:

Free Hi-Fi Hot Spot in a "Sushi Cafe". Wow!

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