Thread: Data Plan For Prepaid?

Hey Guys. I'm staying in panama for a few weeks, but for various reasons, I need a data plan on my phone.

I'm originally with T-mobile, I have a MyTouch 3G Slide (It's is an Android OS phone). I have already unlocked it, and I'm currently using a movistar prepaid sim, but there's no data plan..

Anyone have any Ideas? (I'd prefer 3G, but anything works)

I believe that with Mas Movil you just enter a code on the phone to enable data - at about $1/day.

Originally Posted by jonr

I believe that with Mas Movil you just enter a code on the phone to enable data - at about $1/day.

The problem is that, for some reason mas movil doesn't work on my phone. I'm never given the option to enter the pin for the sim.

There are data- prepagos available....sometimes in combination with a normal contrato...and ofcourse there is data for prepaid users....just check out there websites & local shops:
Digicel Home - Digicel Panama, Móvil, Teléfonos, Ringtones, ¡Es Divertido!, Noticias, Ayuda y Preguntas Frecuentes
Mas Movil Cable & Wireless Panamá
Movistar Movistar - Telefnica moviles
Claro Com Ahorra con ClaroCOM - Claro que Sí!

I have to say that compared to something like Costa Rica, the fact that a visitor can come to Panama with their own phone (or buy one for $20) and get data and voice service is great. Feels safer to me knowing that friends are a phone call away. I've never had to do the "here, talk to my friend, I can't understand what you are saying" thing, but I might.

I was pretty much in shock to realized how cheap a cell phone can cost when I was there last year. My husband ended up buying a phone which came with air time for less than $30? It was great having the phone. We used it to call the taxi driver to pick us up from different locations. I know taxis are plenty in PC, but it was much nicer having a honest taxi driver who doesn't try to overcharge you for the fare.
Panama Dreamer

Rickmasta, did you end up finding a solution? I'm in nearly the exact same situation (T-Mobile, Android device, looking for data plan for 2 weeks) and leaving on Sept 2nd.

I'm actually going to Kuna Yala, and hope I can get some data coverage. I was planning to get away from it all, but I might be starting a new job right before leaving, and don't want to stay out of touch for two weeks.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by Mihail

Rickmasta, did you end up finding a solution? I'm in nearly the exact same situation (T-Mobile, Android device, looking for data plan for 2 weeks) and leaving on Sept 2nd.

I'm actually going to Kuna Yala, and hope I can get some data coverage. I was planning to get away from it all, but I might be starting a new job right before leaving, and don't want to stay out of touch for two weeks.

Thanks.

I haven't found a solution. =/

Buy a C&W chip (+Movil) for $1, pay $2 for activation, sign up for the seconds plan (not the one that offers triplicates) then either borrow another phone to activate the chip or better, go to a +Movil office, and get the pre-paid data plan, which is $8.95 for 14 days.

In my attempts to use other cellphone carriers, they don't support pre-paid data plans, only by monthly contract, unless you have a Blackberry.

I have a US unlocked iPhone with a +Movil phone chip and pre-paid data plan, $14.95 for 30 days, and I also have an iPad with a +Movil chip in it with just the data plan.

Makes sense. In other words, if your phone doesn't support Mas Movil data, get a phone with tethering or a USB cellular modem that does.

I think it's the other way around. Any GSM phone (AT&T or T-Mobil from the US) will work as a phone on any of the Panama cell carriers, as they are all GSM too. Just swap out the US chip for a Panama chip.
It's the availability of a pre-paid data plan for non Blackberry phones thats the problem.
All the carriers offer data plans, but they are for contract only, except +Movil. They do offer a data plan for pre-paid numbers for any GMS phone that can send/receive data for $1/day; $8/two weeks; $15/month

So, if you have a smartphone (or even a not so smart phone that has some data) buy a +Movil chip for it. Maybe not the best service, ok definitely not the best service, but its the only game in town for prepagos.

Originally Posted by socoast

I think it's the other way around. Any GSM phone (AT&T or T-Mobil from the US) will work as a phone on any of the Panama cell carriers, as they are all GSM too. Just swap out the US chip for a Panama chip.
It's the availability of a pre-paid data plan for non Blackberry phones thats the problem.
All the carriers offer data plans, but they are for contract only, except +Movil. They do offer a data plan for pre-paid numbers for any GMS phone that can send/receive data for $1/day; $8/two weeks; $15/month

So, if you have a smartphone (or even a not so smart phone that has some data) buy a +Movil chip for it. Maybe not the best service, ok definitely not the best service, but its the only game in town for prepagos.

That sounds good. What's that deal about borrowing another phone? Why can't I just put the chip into my iPhone or Android phone (if they are unlocked)?

The borrowing is only for people who don't have the unlocked phone yet.

I've set some up for friends who arrived from the us with a new phone and it was all set to go for them.

Originally Posted by Mihail

That sounds good. What's that deal about borrowing another phone? Why can't I just put the chip into my iPhone or Android phone (if they are unlocked)?

Before you leave, you might want to check out YouMail. That way, you will get an email message when someone calls your US phone number, and can go to their website to listen to the message.
Maybe you can set up the same type of system directly with T Mobile; I don't know about that.

Originally Posted by Mihail

That sounds good. What's that deal about borrowing another phone? Why can't I just put the chip into my iPhone or Android phone (if they are unlocked)?

Originally Posted by socoast

Before you leave, you might want to check out YouMail. That way, you will get an email message when someone calls your US phone number, and can go to their website to listen to the message.
Maybe you can set up the same type of system directly with T Mobile; I don't know about that.

I already use Google Voice which sends my voicemails and SMS via email. It works great for traveling. Thanks!

In theory, you could use your laptop and something like this:

DealExtreme: $29.29 USB GSM/GPRS/EDGE Wireless Modem Adapter with Antenna

Originally Posted by jonr

In theory, you could use your laptop and something like this:

DealExtreme: $29.29 USB GSM/GPRS/EDGE Wireless Modem Adapter with Antenna

ive just gotten a usb-stick with Claro internet(subscription) 1Mb $19,95, 2Mb 25,95, 3Mb and 4Mb also available but dont remember prices for those. i took the 1Mb and its actually quite fast. getting approved was a bit of a hassle, lots of forms, signatures, and questions, but got out of the store within 1 hr, and next day i was online.

the data on my prepaid phone was disaster. $2 got me about 1,5 minute online :s both on digicel, and on movil. however, i have to say, i didnt do the data plan activation like socast mentioned here earlier.