Mexico iPad 2 prepaid data success with TelCel

RTuesday · 27-04-2011, 00:44

Sounds like you got a really helpful dealer! As you say, it was a learning curve for him and he can now offer a sim-cutting-down service. Telcel company stores should (in theory!) have microsims in stock.

The rates/deals for the iPad are the same prepaid Amigo rates available for any other data connection (what was new in Sept 2010 was the launch of the microsim). Note the double-data offer mentioned in that announcemen has since expired. In addition to the rates listed there, there are a couple of new rates.

One is on Banda Ancha Telcel - Paquetes Internet Telcel Amigo :
15MB valid for one day for 15 pesos - good if you just want to check you have usable reception (or for minimal email)

and when you've signed up for online access to your account at
https://www.atencionenlinea.telcel.c...ntes/index.jsp
there are three more low-volume deals (for those who just need the bare minimum smartphone email checking etc)

50MB or 30 days for 47 pesos
150MB or 30 days for 143 pesos
300MB or 30 days for 286 pesos
(note: those are border-area prices, it's little more elsewhere)

In some areas (like where I am!), the 3G network is now getting overloaded and unreliable, but otherwise the speeds you are getting are fairly typical, although latency is much lower near the northern border.

dcx45 · **If you're staying in Playacar ... -** 14-02-2012, 13:40

Hi,
just wanted to share my experience, hope this helps somebody.

After reading the very helpful post by dpkroh I arrived equipped with a SIM cutter bought off Amazon. First I went to the big TelCel branch in Centro Maya only to be told that they have no new numbers to connect (!) and to come back next day, following day they wanted my passport even though previous day driving license was enough. In short they were very unhelpful.

In a bout of desperation I tried the small booth which is in the shopping centre itself-right in front of checkouts. The girl spoke no english whatsoever, but was keen to sell, so with a printout of the dpkroh's post, showing the prices and my five phrases in spanish I managed to get her to sell me new card, activate it and add the data tariff, I've cut it and voila ...

Moral of this story - avoid "official" TelCel branches.

I was getting about 300Kb downstream in Playacar, more in central Playa. Perfect antidote to the overpriced, lobby only, access our hotel was offering.

	(#1)
RTuesday (Offline) Senior Member Prepaid Expert Posts: 344 Join Date: 28 Mar 2005 Location: See flag Country:	27-04-2011, 00:44 Sounds like you got a really helpful dealer! As you say, it was a learning curve for him and he can now offer a sim-cutting-down service. Telcel company stores should (in theory!) have microsims in stock. The rates/deals for the iPad are the same prepaid Amigo rates available for any other data connection (what was new in Sept 2010 was the launch of the microsim). Note the double-data offer mentioned in that announcemen has since expired. In addition to the rates listed there, there are a couple of new rates. One is on Banda Ancha Telcel - Paquetes Internet Telcel Amigo : 15MB valid for one day for 15 pesos - good if you just want to check you have usable reception (or for minimal email) and when you've signed up for online access to your account at https://www.atencionenlinea.telcel.c...ntes/index.jsp there are three more low-volume deals (for those who just need the bare minimum smartphone email checking etc) 50MB or 30 days for 47 pesos 150MB or 30 days for 143 pesos 300MB or 30 days for 286 pesos (note: those are border-area prices, it's little more elsewhere) In some areas (like where I am!), the 3G network is now getting overloaded and unreliable, but otherwise the speeds you are getting are fairly typical, although latency is much lower near the northern border. Sims: Telcel MX, T-Mobile US, Virgin Mobile UK, Orange UK, Knowroaming Voip: Localphone UK, Anveo US, Google Voice

	(#2)
dcx45 (Offline) Junior Member Newbie Posts: 2 Join Date: 13 Feb 2012 Country:	If you're staying in Playacar ... - 14-02-2012, 13:40 Hi, just wanted to share my experience, hope this helps somebody. After reading the very helpful post by dpkroh I arrived equipped with a SIM cutter bought off Amazon. First I went to the big TelCel branch in Centro Maya only to be told that they have no new numbers to connect (!) and to come back next day, following day they wanted my passport even though previous day driving license was enough. In short they were very unhelpful. In a bout of desperation I tried the small booth which is in the shopping centre itself-right in front of checkouts. The girl spoke no english whatsoever, but was keen to sell, so with a printout of the dpkroh's post, showing the prices and my five phrases in spanish I managed to get her to sell me new card, activate it and add the data tariff, I've cut it and voila ... Moral of this story - avoid "official" TelCel branches. I was getting about 300Kb downstream in Playacar, more in central Playa. Perfect antidote to the overpriced, lobby only, access our hotel was offering.