What internet connection in San Blas Islands, Panama ?

[cedrick]

Hi,
i am going to cruise in the san blas islands in a little while, and i was wondering which internet connection would be available out there (?). I heard that Digicel might work ok in some areas (but no claro or movistar) with a a usb 3G (or 4G ?) key, and no wifi ...
i'd be glad to hear about people who already did experience this ..
thanks!.

[colemj]

There is no wifi. The cell connections are 2G (EDGE) and are very slow. Digicel is the only one for coverage throughout the San Blas, although you will be challenged by distance and geography on some islands. A high gain external antenna can help.

Mark

[svBeBe]

Unless something has changed you are probably looking for Internet in the wrong place. You can use a satellite phone or SSB with Winlink or Sailmail in the San Blas.

The first time we anchored in the San Blas, 2 young guys rowed a canoe out to sell us 4 live lobsters for $1. One was female with eggs...tossed her back after they left. Things got a little more expensive and were never that cheap again during the 2 months we were there.

There are a few entrepreneurs in powered boats that will bring you just about anything except Internet. Be prepared to pay anchor fees in most areas. Remember, Panama tried unsuccessfully to "tame" the Kuna Indians and gave up, basically leaving them to a type of self-rule. So, what the Kuna chief says is the law. Be friendly and respect the chief. You should have a wonderful time. Do not buy the first Mola you see, but buy the crab and lobster. Bring lots of old magazines to give away, especially ones filled with photos. You may be able to trade old rope, clothes and other things for crab and lobster.

One more important thing. When you come to an uninhabited island with lots of palm trees with no palm fronds on the top, it is a place that the Kuna believe is struck by lightning often. The lack of fronds is evidence of a lightning strike. The Kuna believe that lightning does strike twice or more in the same spot. Don't ask me why I believe they are correct.

Bill

[Paul L]

Slow Digicel 2g, plus the 'bar' at the West Lemmons has sat based plug in fir a few bucks. Don' t plan on much connectivity.