Internet Service Providers: Difference between revisions
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'''Short version:''' where they reach your street, '''[[#Netlife|Netlife]]''' and '''[[#Xtrim|Xtrim]]''' are the best home internet on the peninsula. Outside their coverage, '''[[#Starlink|Starlink]]''' is a great option. Smaller fibre companies such as '''Visión Mágica''' and '''Yiga5''' cover towns and barrios the big two don't — service is so-so. On the Ruta del Spondylus, '''Intercable''' is another option around Manglaralto. Avoid '''CNT''' for home internet if you have any alternative. | '''Short version:''' where they reach your street, '''[[#Netlife|Netlife]]''' and '''[[#Xtrim|Xtrim]]''' are the best home internet on the peninsula, and '''[[#Celerity|Celerity]]''' is worth checking too. Outside their coverage, '''[[#Starlink|Starlink]]''' is a great option. Smaller fibre companies such as '''Visión Mágica''' and '''Yiga5''' cover towns and barrios the big two don't — service is so-so. On the Ruta del Spondylus, '''Intercable''' is another option around Manglaralto. Avoid '''CNT''' for home internet if you have any alternative. | ||
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! Where you live !! Best bet !! Backup | ! Where you live !! Best bet !! Backup | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Salinas, La Libertad, Santa Elena city || Netlife or Xtrim (fibre) || Tigo | | Salinas, La Libertad, Santa Elena city || Netlife or Xtrim (fibre); also Celerity || Claro (5G in Salinas) or Tigo mobile data | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Smaller towns and barrios || Visión Mágica or Yiga5 (fibre) — check your street || Starlink | | Smaller towns and barrios || Visión Mágica or Yiga5 (fibre) — check your street || Starlink | ||
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| Manglaralto, Montañita, Olón || Intercable (fibre), or Starlink || Mobile data | | Manglaralto, Montañita, Olón || Intercable (fibre), or Starlink || Mobile data | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Outside any fibre network || Starlink || Mobile data | | Outside any fibre network || Starlink || Mobile data; CNT SatPower where there is no signal at all | ||
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Always check coverage at your exact address before you sign — fibre networks change street by street. | Always check coverage at your exact address before you sign — fibre networks change street by street. | ||
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'''Satellite internet — a great option anywhere fibre doesn't reach.''' | '''Satellite internet — a great option anywhere fibre doesn't reach.''' | ||
* Works across the whole province, including the hills and beaches without cables. Unlimited data. | * Works across the whole province, including the hills and beaches without cables. Unlimited data. | ||
* '''Residential Lite''' (up to about 200 Mbps) from '''$40 a month'''; '''Residential Max''' (400 Mbps or more) from '''$50 a month'''. | * '''Residential Lite''' (up to about 200 Mbps) from '''$40 a month'''; '''Residential Max''' (400 Mbps or more) from '''$50 a month'''. | ||
* '''The kit:''' Starlink regularly runs offers such as the '''Mini kit for $20''' (normally $200) when you sign up for Residential Max for 12 months — if you cancel early you pay a penalty of up to $180, reduced month by month. In shops, Artefacta sells the '''Standard Kit V4 for $389''' and the '''Mini Kit for $250''' (IVA included). | |||
* A roaming plan (from $50 a month) lets you take it with you along the coast. | * A roaming plan (from $50 a month) lets you take it with you along the coast. | ||
* Plug and play: you set it up yourself, and there is a 30-day trial. | * Plug and play: you set it up yourself, and there is a 30-day trial. | ||
* Order and check availability on [https://www.starlink.com/ec starlink.com/ec]. | * Order and check availability on [https://www.starlink.com/ec starlink.com/ec]. | ||
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== Celerity == | |||
'''Another national fibre company with coverage in Santa Elena province, including La Libertad.''' | |||
* 500 Mbps for '''$23 + IVA a month''' at the normal price, with frequent promotions (in November 2026: 20% off for 5 months, with a WiFi extender and DGO streaming included). | |||
* 2:1 sharing, like Netlife — at least half your speed at peak hours. | |||
* Check coverage at your address on [https://www.celerity.ec celerity.ec]. | |||
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== CNT: only if there is nothing else == | == CNT: only if there is nothing else == | ||
'''CNT''', the state telecom, still sells fibre and old copper lines, but residents rate its home internet as poor and its technical support as slow and unhelpful. Use it only if no other provider reaches you — and even then, compare it with Starlink. Customer service: '''1800 100 100'''. | '''CNT''', the state telecom, still sells fibre and old copper lines, but residents rate its home internet as poor and its technical support as slow and unhelpful. Use it only if no other provider reaches you — and even then, compare it with Starlink. Customer service: '''1800 100 100'''. | ||
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'''One CNT plus: SatPower.''' Since 29 September 2026 CNT's mobile plans can connect '''directly to Starlink satellites''' where there is no mobile signal — no dish or extra equipment, just a compatible phone and a clear view of the sky. By satellite you get messages and a few apps: WhatsApp, Google Maps, X, ECU 911 and SMS. Useful for fishermen, hikers and remote comunas. Plans start at about $16 + IVA; existing CNT customers can add it for $3 + taxes. In November 2026 CNT advertised SatPower 5G plans at $21.99, $26.99 and $38.99 + IVA a month, with discounts for the first 3 months if you switch to CNT. Details on [https://www.cnt.com.ec cnt.com.ec]. | |||
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== Mobile data == | == Mobile data == | ||
Ecuador now has two big mobile networks: '''Claro''' and '''Tigo'''. '''Tigo is the old Movistar''' — Millicom bought Movistar and Tuenti in 2025 and changed the name, so any Movistar SIM now runs on Tigo. CNT also sells mobile lines. | Ecuador now has two big mobile networks: '''Claro''' and '''Tigo'''. '''Claro switched on 5G in Salinas in March 2026''' — you need a 5G phone and plan to use it. '''CNT''' also has 5G in parts of Salinas, according to its website; Santa Elena was in its first 5G rollout plan, but CNT doesn't list La Libertad or the Ruta del Spondylus yet — expect 4G there. '''Tigo is the old Movistar''' — Millicom bought Movistar and Tuenti in 2025 and changed the name, so any Movistar SIM now runs on Tigo. CNT also sells mobile lines, including SatPower (see [[#CNT: only if there is nothing else|above]]). | ||
* Buy a prepaid SIM ("chip") at a Claro or Tigo store with your passport or cédula, then top up at almost any corner shop. | * Buy a prepaid SIM ("chip") at a Claro or Tigo store with your passport or cédula, then top up at almost any corner shop. | ||
* Your phone's hotspot is the best backup when home internet fails. | * Your phone's hotspot is the best backup when home internet fails. | ||
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''Sources: provider websites (netlife.ec, xtrim.com.ec, starlink.com/ec, visionmagica.net, yiga5.com, salinasnet.net, intercable.net.ec, cnt.com.ec, tigo.com.ec), checked November 2026; PDOT La Libertad 2024–2030; PDOT Salinas 2023–2027. Prices change often — check before you sign.'' | ''Sources: provider websites (netlife.ec, xtrim.com.ec, starlink.com/ec, visionmagica.net, yiga5.com, salinasnet.net, intercable.net.ec, cnt.com.ec, tigo.com.ec), checked November 2026; Claro 5G in Salinas: El Universo and Vistazo, March 2026; CNT SatPower: Vistazo, 30 September 2026, and CNT ads; Starlink kit prices: Starlink and Artefacta, November 2026; Celerity: celerity.ec and Celerity ads; CNT 5G: cnt.com.ec/paginas/cnt-5g, Nokia (October 2025) and DPL News (June 2026); PDOT La Libertad 2024–2030; PDOT Salinas 2023–2027. Prices change often — check before you sign.'' | ||
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Latest revision as of 20:30, 2 November 2026
Short version: where they reach your street, Netlife and Xtrim are the best home internet on the peninsula, and Celerity is worth checking too. Outside their coverage, Starlink is a great option. Smaller fibre companies such as Visión Mágica and Yiga5 cover towns and barrios the big two don't — service is so-so. On the Ruta del Spondylus, Intercable is another option around Manglaralto. Avoid CNT for home internet if you have any alternative.
Pick your provider
| Where you live | Best bet | Backup |
|---|---|---|
| Salinas, La Libertad, Santa Elena city | Netlife or Xtrim (fibre); also Celerity | Claro (5G in Salinas) or Tigo mobile data |
| Smaller towns and barrios | Visión Mágica or Yiga5 (fibre) — check your street | Starlink |
| Manglaralto, Montañita, Olón | Intercable (fibre), or Starlink | Mobile data |
| Outside any fibre network | Starlink | Mobile data; CNT SatPower where there is no signal at all |
Always check coverage at your exact address before you sign — fibre networks change street by street.
Netlife
Fibre to the home, the most reliable option where it reaches.
- Speeds are symmetrical (same upload and download) on plans up to 1 Gbps — ideal for video calls and remote work.
- Netlife guarantees at least 50% of your plan speed even at peak hours (2:1 sharing).
- Promotional plans start around $15 + IVA a month for the first months, rising to about $34 a month (IVA included) after the promotion. Installation is often discounted.
- Support 24/7: 3920000 (landline), 098 597 0000 (mobile), or the NetlifeAccess app.
- Check coverage on netlife.ec.
Xtrim
Fibre from the former TV Cable — a strong option in Salinas and around.
- Plans from 300 Mbps for $15 + IVA ($17.25 with tax), with "price forever" offers and free installation at the time of writing. Faster plans include Zapping TV.
- Experience centre in Salinas: Cdla. Puertas del Sol, Monday–Friday 8:30–17:30.
- WhatsApp 096 860 0400, call centre 04 600 4000.
- Check coverage and plans on xtrim.com.ec.
Starlink
Satellite internet — a great option anywhere fibre doesn't reach.
- Works across the whole province, including the hills and beaches without cables. Unlimited data.
- Residential Lite (up to about 200 Mbps) from $40 a month; Residential Max (400 Mbps or more) from $50 a month.
- The kit: Starlink regularly runs offers such as the Mini kit for $20 (normally $200) when you sign up for Residential Max for 12 months — if you cancel early you pay a penalty of up to $180, reduced month by month. In shops, Artefacta sells the Standard Kit V4 for $389 and the Mini Kit for $250 (IVA included).
- A roaming plan (from $50 a month) lets you take it with you along the coast.
- Plug and play: you set it up yourself, and there is a 30-day trial.
- Order and check availability on starlink.com/ec.
Celerity
Another national fibre company with coverage in Santa Elena province, including La Libertad.
- 500 Mbps for $23 + IVA a month at the normal price, with frequent promotions (in November 2026: 20% off for 5 months, with a WiFi extender and DGO streaming included).
- 2:1 sharing, like Netlife — at least half your speed at peak hours.
- Check coverage at your address on celerity.ec.
Smaller local fibre companies
These companies reach towns and barrios the big providers don't. Service is so-so — ask your neighbours how theirs works before you sign.
- Visión Mágica — a peninsula company (internet and cable TV) that says it serves every canton and parish in Santa Elena. Fibre with WiFi 6 routers. Office in La Libertad, Barrio Abdón Calderón, Av. 21 and Calle 18, next to Pastelería Grey's. WhatsApp 098 533 9489. visionmagica.net
- Yiga5 (often called "Giga5") — fibre plans from 500 Mbps for $15.99 + tax in Santa Elena. Office in Santa Elena city. WhatsApp support 099 702 0408, sales 096 268 4544. yiga5.com
- SalinasNet — a long-standing local provider that lists coverage in Salinas, La Libertad, Santa Elena and along the coast road north. Office in La Libertad, Barrio Puerto Rico, Av. 2 and Calle 27 (above Servientrega). Tel. 04 278 3656. salinasnet.net
Ruta del Spondylus: Intercable
Intercable (Costateve S.A.) runs a fibre network on the north coast, with offices in Manglaralto (on the Ruta del Spondylus, next to Tiendas Tuti) and Puerto López. Manglaralto: 098 199 8858 or 099 407 3964. Ask whether they reach your street in Montañita, Olón or nearby comunas. intercable.net.ec
CNT: only if there is nothing else
CNT, the state telecom, still sells fibre and old copper lines, but residents rate its home internet as poor and its technical support as slow and unhelpful. Use it only if no other provider reaches you — and even then, compare it with Starlink. Customer service: 1800 100 100.
One CNT plus: SatPower. Since 29 September 2026 CNT's mobile plans can connect directly to Starlink satellites where there is no mobile signal — no dish or extra equipment, just a compatible phone and a clear view of the sky. By satellite you get messages and a few apps: WhatsApp, Google Maps, X, ECU 911 and SMS. Useful for fishermen, hikers and remote comunas. Plans start at about $16 + IVA; existing CNT customers can add it for $3 + taxes. In November 2026 CNT advertised SatPower 5G plans at $21.99, $26.99 and $38.99 + IVA a month, with discounts for the first 3 months if you switch to CNT. Details on cnt.com.ec.
Mobile data
Ecuador now has two big mobile networks: Claro and Tigo. Claro switched on 5G in Salinas in March 2026 — you need a 5G phone and plan to use it. CNT also has 5G in parts of Salinas, according to its website; Santa Elena was in its first 5G rollout plan, but CNT doesn't list La Libertad or the Ruta del Spondylus yet — expect 4G there. Tigo is the old Movistar — Millicom bought Movistar and Tuenti in 2025 and changed the name, so any Movistar SIM now runs on Tigo. CNT also sells mobile lines, including SatPower (see above).
- Buy a prepaid SIM ("chip") at a Claro or Tigo store with your passport or cédula, then top up at almost any corner shop.
- Your phone's hotspot is the best backup when home internet fails.
- If one network is slow where you are, try the other.
Claro: mobile only here
Claro sells fixed home internet in other parts of Ecuador, but not in Santa Elena province. On the peninsula Claro is a mobile network only.
High season
From January to April, and on long weekends like Carnival and Semana Santa, the population of the beach towns jumps and both home and mobile networks slow down. If your work depends on internet:
- Work early in the morning.
- Keep a mobile-data backup on a different network from your home provider.
- Test your connection in your first days, at different times of day.
Tips
- Renting? Ask which provider serves the property and for a speed test. "WiFi included" says nothing about quality.
- Speed test with the provider's own speed test or Speedtest by Ookla. 10 Mbps is enough for a video call; 25 Mbps or more for HD streaming.
- Power cuts take your router down too. A small UPS keeps fibre and WiFi running for a while — see Power Cuts Ecuador.
- Public WiFi in plazas and cafés is fine for messages, not for work calls. See WiFi Hotspots.
Coverage in numbers
According to the 2022 census, about 55% of homes in La Libertad and 52% in Salinas had fixed internet.
Sources: provider websites (netlife.ec, xtrim.com.ec, starlink.com/ec, visionmagica.net, yiga5.com, salinasnet.net, intercable.net.ec, cnt.com.ec, tigo.com.ec), checked November 2026; Claro 5G in Salinas: El Universo and Vistazo, March 2026; CNT SatPower: Vistazo, 30 September 2026, and CNT ads; Starlink kit prices: Starlink and Artefacta, November 2026; Celerity: celerity.ec and Celerity ads; CNT 5G: cnt.com.ec/paginas/cnt-5g, Nokia (October 2025) and DPL News (June 2026); PDOT La Libertad 2024–2030; PDOT Salinas 2023–2027. Prices change often — check before you sign.