Bookie wrote:
Boynton wrote:
sb_boise wrote:
Claro Unlimited 4G internet plan is c44mil a month ($72).
Is this that?
https://www.claro.cr/en/personas/servicios/servicios-moviles/internet-movil/I have questions. Does the modem connect to the computer with an Ethernet cable, or something else? Does rain effect how well the modem receives the signal? I've heard of that being an issue. Can I pay the bill online?
I need high quality Internet while I'm in San Jose and the Wifi I've had access to where I've stayed and will probably stay doesn't cut it so I'd love to learn about the options.
My best advice is to speak directly with Claro. Go to one of the malls during the afternoon and there is generally a manager or other staff member who speaks English and can explain the options. You will get some upsell, but that is the price you pay.
Given that, I will describe my experience which may or may not answer your questions. Both my hovia and I have generic Claro mobile phone accounts with 4G. You won't find 5G here yet. Her account is Postpago, mine is Prepago (prepaid).
With Postpago accounts, you choose a plan that has the amount of data you need. She has the unlimited account for 44mil. She has no Internet or CableTV in her apartment so she uses the mobile hotspot on her iPhone to connect her MacBook via bluetooth. With this, she can participate in Zoom classes to UNIBE (university in CR) and to a university in Barcelona, Spain. She also streams Netflix to her TV via an AppleTV device. You can also tether (connect) a MacBook to the iPhone hotspot via USB with a special cable, but I have never bothered.
I have both Internet and CableTV included in my apartment rent so I only use my iPhone's hotspot when I am away from home. For this reason, I have a Prepago (prepaid) account. With a Prepago account, you can either add minutes as you go or you can buy 'packs' that include minutes and data but expire after certain time (ie 30 days). Since I live here full time, I just add minutes as I need them. I also like having the Claro option if my home Tigo account goes down.
Performance
I use the iOS app 'Net Analyzer' to monitor my connections. I also use NordVPN. I use USTVGO to watch US cable TV including sports. I connect my iPad or MacBook to my iPhone hotspot as needed. I get 10 to 15 Mbps download and 5 to 7 Mbps upload using my Claro 4G connection. This is consistent in Escazu, Amon, Otoya, Curridabat, and San Pedro. This specifically includes the SL and Hotel Taormina. I have not tried the Castillo.
There are a number of settings you can tweak on your phone that can impact performance. One of these is 'Low Data Mode'. This setting will cause your device to perform certain updates less frequently with the aim of reducing data usage. Depending on your needs, you may want to make sure this is off. You will however burn through your allotment of minutes faster. Since hovia's plan is unlimited, she has this turned off. Since I use pay-as-you-go minutes, I make sure mine is on.