Cable and Wireless Panama (http://www.cwpanama.com) is the British company that provides telephone service and Internet service in Panama. They offer plans that run from about $6 per month to $ 40 per month, depending on whether or not you would like 'free' local calls. There is also a $40 installation charge.

To get the service you have to provide

- Original passport and a photocopy.

- Proof of residency. Either present your property registration if you are the owner (escritura) or a rental contract for your residence with the MIVI seal (Housing Ministry) and deposit number (could also be a private rental contract with the signatures notarized.)

Note: there are several other documents you may present if you don't have either of these. You can send someone else to request the service if you send a notarized letter.

International calls

International calling cards are available and many Internet cafes also offer VOIP calls. The calling cards are all cards that you use from any telephone by dialing the unique ID number on the card. You may purchase $5, $10 & $20 cards which are valid for 15, 30 & 45 days respectively.

Mobile phones

There are several plans and companies available in Panama (Cable & Wireless offers a GSM network). Some sample fees: A simple service for one person starts at $10 per month, a plan with 500 'free' minutes costs $60 per month.

Internet

For dial up service you only have to sign a contract and have an active telephone line. In the main cities you don't pay a telephone fee (Panama, Colon, Cocle, Veraguas, Herrera, Los Santos, Chiriqui, Bocas Del Toro.) A DSL line is also available at a current cost of $24 per month & up, depending on what bandwidth you want. Other companies are also permitted to provide Internet service in Panama.

Internet cafes are very common and inexpensive, normally less than $1 per hour. Some restaurants and coffee shops are now providing wireless hot spots.

Cable TV

60 channels including HBO & Cinemax in English, CNN, English BBC, Discovery Channel, etc., $40 per month.