Getting Cell Phone + Internet Service in Panama
- Ken Norton
- Jul 24
- 3 min read
1. Setting Up Mobile Service
In Panama, the main providers are +Móvil (Mass Móvil), Tigo (Movistar), Claro, and Digicel
+Móvil is widely recognized as the most reliable and extensive network across both cities and rural areas — along the Pan‑American highway, tourist areas like Boquete or Coronado, and even outlying islands like San Blas
They sell prepaid SIM cards starting around $7 USD, offering “unlimited” data plus minutes and texts in short tourist plans (e.g. 10 days) or longer postpaid plans
You’ll need to present a passport or Panamanian ID for registration and activation, which often must be done in person at a local store
✅ Why +Móvil shines for mobile:
• Best coverage and mobile data performance
In independent testing (Q4 2023), +Móvil had the highest median download (~27 Mbps) and upload (~15 Mbps) speeds among Panama mobile operators, outperforming Tigo and Digicel
It also led in consistency, with 79% of tests meeting minimum thresholds (5 Mbps down, 1 Mbps up) vs. 73% for Tigo and 62% for Digicel
Opensignal awarded +Móvil top marks for average download and upload experience and consistency too, scoring higher than its competitors in June 2023’s report
• Reliable signal in remote zones
Users consistently report that +Móvil retains signal where others lose it – even at high elevations or remote areas. As one Redditor put it:
“+Movil es la que SIEMPRE tiene data en lugares de difícil acceso…”
• Broad 5G rollout
As of early 2025, +Móvil has accelerated its 5G deployment in Panama City and surrounding areas, while Tigo’s 5G network remains minimal
2. Home Internet via Fiber
+Móvil offers fiber-optic Internet plans (300, 600, 1000 Mbps) with free installation, symmetrical speeds, and competitive pricing (e.g. 300 Mbps for B/. 35/month, 1000 Mbps for B/. 39/month)
Their fiber service uses direct fiber-to-the-home, unlike Tigo’s traditional hybrid coax/fiber network, which can lead to slower speeds and higher latency, especially in shared neighborhoods
Reddit users report:
One user in La Chorrera said their fiber service only dropped a few times in two years and was far more reliable than Tigo
Another chose +Móvil because installation arrived quickly and performance was stable—while Tigo kept failing in rainy weather
⚠️ Caveats & Things to Watch:
Customer service is a common complaint. Many users say support is handled by chatbots, with little human help—or that issues get lost between departments
Marketing vs. reality: +Móvil often advertises “unlimited data,” but Redditors warn of data-throttling policies after usage thresholds (e.g. 8 GB/week or more) are reached. It’s effectively “unlimited-ish” with fair‑use limits
Watch out for door‑to‑door sales pitches. Some users say field sales reps promise extras (extenders, free upgrades) that don’t materialize, and documentation may be vague—so always get everything in writing and carefully review contracts before signing
📋 Quick Comparison Table
Service | +Móvil Strengths | Things to Watch |
Mobile (prepaid/postpaid) | Best nationwide 4G/5G coverage; fast & consistent speeds; works in rural zones | True data caps; may throttle after usage; customer support can frustrate |
Home fiber internet | Direct fiber‑to‑home; symmetric speeds; solid pricing; stable performance | Install depends on your neighborhood; support issues or delays possible |
📝 Tips for Choosing +Móvil in Panama
Check actual coverage in your area—talk to neighbors or use coverage maps before signing up.
Clarify data “unlimited” terms—ask about fair‑use thresholds and throttling limits.
Document promises—if a salesperson offers freebies or special pricing, get a written quote or WhatsApp confirmation before service begins.
Register with your passport or cédula—required to buy and activate SIM or fiber service.
Test the service before walking away from the store or installer. Ensure mobile signal or home internet setup works before leaving.
🎯 Final Verdict
+Móvil stands above the competition in terms of mobile coverage, network speed, and reliable home fiber service in Panama—particularly outside major urban centers. While customer service and marketing practices fall short at times, many users accept the trade‑off for better performance, especially for remote or rural access. With careful review of contract terms and usage policies, +Móvil offers what most expats, travelers, or locals need: fast, consistent connectivity across the country.
Need help choosing a specific plan—mobile or fiber— contact Mas Movil direct via whatsapp here —---->
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