Colombia – Internet

Who are the major internet service providers in Colombia?

The five biggest ISPs in Colombia by number of subscribers are Claro, Tigo, Movistar, ETB, and DirecTV. Together, they serve the overwhelming majority of urban and suburban households across the country. Each operator differs in the technologies it deploys, how it structures its pricing, and which parts of the country it covers most effectively — so checking what is actually on offer at your home address before committing is well worthwhile.

Claro (part of the América Móvil group) is the dominant force in both fixed and mobile markets. It commanded more than half of total market share in Colombia as of 2022, making it the clear leader across the industry. Claro provides fibre-to-the-home, cable, and DSL services to residential customers, supplemented by one of the country’s largest mobile networks. Sign-ups can be completed through its website at claro.com.co or at any of its numerous retail outlets. Always verify current plans and address-level availability directly on the website.

Movistar (backed by Telefónica) stands out as a strong challenger, particularly in the fibre broadband segment. The provider offers ADSL/ADSL2+ across 808 municipalities, alongside FTTH networks rolled out across 69 municipalities — including Bogotá, Medellín, Barranquilla, and Bucaramanga — with 87.1% of its customer base already on fibre. Plans can be compared and purchased at movistar.com.co.

Tigo (formerly Tigo-UNE, formed through a merger with EPM’s telecoms division) delivers cable and fibre broadband and is the primary rival to Claro in Medellín and the surrounding region. Tigo has been actively extending its reach into more than 900 rural communities that previously lacked adequate connectivity. Residential and business plans are listed at tigo.com.co.

ETB (Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Bogotá) is a state-backed operator with its strongest footprint in the capital. Like DirecTV, ETB is recognised among the country’s principal providers and maintains a significant FTTH presence in Bogotá. ETB’s services are accessible at etb.com.co. DirecTV rounds out the major five, offering satellite and fixed broadband solutions that are particularly relevant in areas not served by ground-based infrastructure — see directv.com.co for plan details.

Beyond these flagship names, Colombia supports a diverse landscape of smaller regional and local ISPs. Consult official provider websites and cross-reference with the CRC’s coverage tools for the most current pricing, as tariffs shift regularly.

What types of internet connection are available in Colombia?

Colombia supports a wide spectrum of connection technologies, ranging from legacy DSL lines to modern fibre networks and the early stages of 5G home broadband. The technology you can access will depend heavily on whether your home is in a large city, a mid-sized town, or a rural community.

Fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) represents the premium tier of connectivity in Colombian cities. Movistar’s fibre network spans 69 municipalities, covering Bogotá, Medellín, Barranquilla, and Bucaramanga among others. Claro and Tigo also operate substantial FTTH deployments across these and other urban centres. Much like the mixed fibre and cable infrastructure familiar from Western Europe, Colombia’s fibre expansion is concentrated in densely populated zones, with cable and DSL services bridging the gap in areas not yet reached.

Cable broadband remains widely deployed, particularly in larger urban areas. It generally delivers solid download performance and is frequently offered as part of television and internet bundles. Tigo and DirecTV are among the most notable cable providers.

DSL (ADSL/ADSL2+) continues to serve many municipalities where fibre infrastructure has not yet arrived. The scale of Movistar’s DSL footprint alone — spanning 808 municipalities — illustrates just how significant legacy DSL remains as a fallback option in smaller towns and cities throughout the country.

4G LTE and 5G mobile broadband can function as a home internet solution via a SIM-based router or dedicated mobile hotspot device, making them particularly practical where wired infrastructure is lacking. Claro, Movistar, and Tigo all commercially launched 5G services on the 3500 MHz band in February 2024, though current coverage is confined to selected urban zones. Claro operates 5G on the N28 and N78 bands across 20 cities, and approximately 70% of 5G users in Colombia were connected through Claro’s network as of late 2024.

Satellite internet — provided by operators including DirecTV and, increasingly, global low-earth orbit services — serves as the primary connectivity option in remote rural areas beyond the reach of terrestrial networks. Latency is higher than with ground-based technologies, but it provides a workable solution where no other option exists.

Unlike highly connected markets such as South Korea or Japan — where fibre availability is near universal — Colombia’s infrastructure remains uneven. Urban residents in Bogotá, Medellín, or Cali can realistically expect modern fibre speeds, whereas those in smaller towns and rural regions may need to rely on DSL, 4G, or satellite. Always confirm what is available at your specific address before selecting a provider.

How fast and reliable is the internet in Colombia?

Internet speeds in Colombia have risen dramatically over recent years. According to Ookla Speedtest Global Index data, Colombia is among the countries that improved fixed broadband download speeds by more than 1,000 percent between 2017 and 2024 — a reflection of major fibre investment, particularly in the largest cities.

Fixed broadband performance varies noticeably between providers. Movistar was identified as the fastest fixed broadband ISP in Colombia during the second half of 2024, recording a median download speed of 265.34 Mbps and a median upload speed of 235.21 Mbps, according to the Ookla H2 2024 Colombia Speedtest Connectivity Report. Across the fixed broadband market as a whole, Colombia’s average download speed stood at around 208 Mbps — placing it 29th internationally — with average upload speeds of approximately 94.58 Mbps.

Mobile data speeds are lower overall, but have also climbed considerably. Claro ranked as the fastest mobile operator in Colombia during H2 2024, achieving a median download speed of 26.89 Mbps and a median upload speed of 12.08 Mbps. At the city level, Medellín led the country in median mobile download speed at 32.17 Mbps during H2 2024, while Cartagena performed best for fixed broadband with a median of 180.35 Mbps.

In urban areas, reliability is generally solid. According to Opensignal’s July 2024 report, Movistar and Claro both achieve the highest reliability experience scores in Colombia — a measure of users’ ability to establish and sustain uninterrupted connections — each pulling some 44 points clear of the next competitor, ETB.

The picture is considerably less consistent outside major population centres. Mobile 4G coverage can be patchy beyond the main towns, and fixed broadband may be restricted to slow DSL or satellite in rural areas. Expats considering accommodation outside cities should investigate coverage thoroughly before making any commitments. For the latest benchmarks, visit Ookla’s Colombia reports or Opensignal directly.

How do I get an internet connection set up in Colombia?

Getting a residential internet connection established in Colombia is a manageable task for newcomers, though it calls for some documentation and a degree of patience. The steps below outline the typical process with major providers. Always verify exact requirements with your chosen ISP, as procedures can differ.

1. Select a provider and package. Determine which ISPs serve your neighbourhood — FTTH, cable, and DSL availability varies by address. Visit the provider’s website, enter your address to confirm which plans and speeds are on offer, and compare Claro, Movistar, Tigo, ETB, and any local operators active in your area.
2. Prepare your documents. ISPs will generally ask for proof of identity — typically your passport or national ID card — along with evidence of your address in Colombia, such as a signed rental contract or a utility bill. Foreign nationals should bring their passport and may wish to carry any residency permit or visa paperwork as a precaution, though not every provider demands this for a standard home contract.
3. Apply online, by phone, or in person. Sign-ups can be completed through the provider’s website, by calling customer service, or by visiting an official retail outlet in person. For those less confident in Spanish, visiting a store located within a major shopping centre often provides access to staff who can guide you through the process. Some operators also accept registrations via WhatsApp.
4. Verify your address and arrange installation. Once you have chosen a plan, the provider will confirm that service is available at your address and book a technician visit. Make sure someone is at the property on the scheduled day. Installation appointments are usually offered within a few business days to a fortnight, depending on the provider and your location.
5. Receive equipment and connect. After the technician has completed the installation, you will be provided with account credentials and access to the internet using the ISP’s supplied equipment. A router or modem is typically included on a rental basis as part of the monthly fee.
6. Arrange payment. Most providers accept bank transfers, credit and debit cards, and cash at authorised payment locations such as Efecty or Baloto kiosks. A Colombian bank account is useful for setting up automatic monthly payments, but is not always a strict requirement to activate a plan.

Foreign nationals on short-stay visas or those who have not yet obtained a cédula de extranjería (foreign national ID card) may find the process slightly more involved. Many providers will accept a passport in place of a national ID, but it is advisable to clarify this directly with the ISP before submitting an application. Having a local phone number will also make it easier to communicate with the provider and coordinate the installation appointment.

Can I get internet access before my permanent connection is installed in Colombia?

Several practical solutions exist for staying online while you wait for a fixed residential connection to be established. Colombia’s mobile data infrastructure is well-developed in cities, making it straightforward to arrange temporary connectivity as soon as you arrive.

Prepaid SIM cards with mobile data are the fastest and most affordable short-term option. Anyone aged 18 or over can purchase one, though registration rules apply — you will need to present your passport at the point of sale. SIMs are available from Claro, Movistar, Tigo, WOM, and others. Airport outlets stock them on arrival, though they tend to charge a premium; for better value, buy from an official provider store in the city. Once you have a SIM, you can use your smartphone as a personal hotspot for other devices.

For national coverage breadth, Claro is the most widely recommended choice. Tigo delivers strong 4G performance in urban areas, while Movistar’s network is well-regarded in the major cities. All three cover the main urban centres reliably.

eSIMs are an increasingly appealing alternative for travellers with compatible devices. Claro, Movistar, and Tigo all support eSIM services in Colombia. Local eSIM activation requires presenting your passport or ID card for registration purposes. Alternatively, international travel eSIM providers — purchased before departure — may not require local registration and can serve as a convenient bridge for the first days after arrival.

Portable Wi-Fi devices (pocket hotspots) can be hired from specialist providers and some airports. These are particularly useful when travelling with multiple devices and you would prefer a dedicated connection rather than tethering from your handset.

Co-working spaces and cafés are abundant in cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena and typically provide reliable Wi-Fi as standard. Co-working memberships offer an excellent transitional solution for remote workers in the process of establishing themselves in Colombia.

What does internet service typically cost in Colombia?

Colombia genuinely stands out as one of the most cost-effective markets in Latin America for internet services. The average monthly broadband cost was around 79,900 pesos (approximately USD $19.93) — the second-lowest in the region as of 2024. This pricing makes Colombia especially appealing to expats and remote workers conscious of their monthly outgoings.

Residential broadband packages are generally organised by download speed tier. Entry-level plans offering around 10–30 Mbps sit at the lower end of the pricing spectrum, while mid-range packages delivering 50–200 Mbps are popular among households and home workers and are frequently available as part of combined internet and television bundles. High-speed fibre plans at 300 Mbps and above are offered by Movistar, Claro, and Tigo in the main cities at premium price points. Since tariffs shift frequently, always consult the provider’s website for the current schedule and any active promotional deals.

Installation and activation charges are standard with most providers on fixed-term contracts, though promotional campaigns sometimes waive these costs. Equipment such as a router is typically included in the monthly fee rather than billed as an additional line item. Contracts commonly run for 12 months, though some operators offer rolling monthly arrangements at a slightly higher rate. Exiting a fixed-term contract early may attract a penalty — read the terms carefully before signing up.

Mobile data costs are exceptionally competitive. According to Cable, a British research company, the average price of 1 gigabyte of mobile data in Colombia was 813 pesos (approximately USD $0.20) as of 2023 — the lowest in South America. Prepaid bundles from Claro, Movistar, and Tigo typically combine data, minutes, and text messages for a few thousand pesos per week or month. Postpaid plans with larger data allowances are also readily available at competitive rates.

For the most accurate and current pricing, visit the official websites of Claro, Movistar, Tigo, and ETB, or use the CRC’s consumer comparison tools at crcom.gov.co.

Are there any restrictions or censorship affecting internet use in Colombia?

Colombia maintains a broadly open internet environment. There are no government-imposed restrictions on general internet access, and no credible evidence that authorities routinely monitor private email or online messaging activity. Individuals and organisations can express their views freely online, including through email correspondence.

Political, religious, and social content is not routinely blocked or filtered, and platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and international blog-hosting services are freely accessible. This stands in sharp contrast to more tightly controlled digital environments — such as those in China or Iran — where major global platforms are blocked outright.

That said, certain categories of website are subject to blocking. Sites linked to gambling and illegal activities are frequently restricted, and the precise criteria applied are not always made publicly available. The National Police, working alongside the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (MinTIC), reported that by April 2024, more than 13,330 web pages had been blocked on grounds related to cybercrime.

A noteworthy episode occurred in 2024: Reddit was blocked by at least two ISPs in June of that year, apparently at the instruction of gambling regulator Coljuegos as part of efforts to suppress unlicensed gambling activity. Access was restored after roughly six days and the precise circumstances remained ambiguous. This incident serves as a reminder that incidental or erroneous blocking can happen, even if such events are not a regular feature of everyday internet use in Colombia.

VPN usage is not prohibited in Colombia. Many expats and remote workers use VPN services routinely, both for privacy and to access content libraries from their home countries, and no known restrictions apply to this practice. As with any regulatory environment, it is prudent to stay informed through official sources, since rules can evolve over time.

In summary, expats living in Colombia can expect largely unrestricted internet access broadly comparable to that found in most open democracies. The regulatory climate is stable and far removed from the heavily censored environments encountered in certain other regions of the world.

What should I know about mobile data and SIM cards in Colombia?

Colombia has four principal mobile network operators: Claro, Movistar, Tigo, and WOM (formerly Avantel). WOM entered the Colombian market in 2021 by acquiring Avantel and, through aggressive pricing strategies, had grown its market share to 7.8% by 2024. A number of MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) also operate by leasing capacity from these networks and may offer competitive prepaid rates.

For coverage breadth, Claro is broadly considered the strongest option outside major cities. All three legacy operators offer solid coverage overall, though in certain remote locations — such as Cabo de la Vela in La Guajira — only Claro has a presence. WOM roams on the Claro, Movistar, and Tigo networks for 2G/3G, giving it wider lower-speed coverage, but its own 4G/LTE infrastructure is largely confined to urban zones.

On the 5G front, the technology is still in its early stages but expanding. Claro operates 5G on the N28 and N78 bands across 20 cities, with around 70% of Colombia’s 5G users on its network as of late 2024, and has set a target of 60% national 5G coverage by 2028. Tigo has had 5G active since February 2024 in Bogotá, Medellín, Barranquilla, and Cartagena, among other cities.

SIM registration: Purchasing a SIM card in Colombia requires you to present identification and proof of address — a hotel address is acceptable for visitors. Only buy from an official provider outlet; there have been documented cases of identity theft involving photocopied documents at unofficial sellers. Foreign nationals will need their passport to complete the registration.

eSIMs are supported by all three major operators. While physical SIM cards require an in-store visit and registration process, eSIMs can be activated more quickly and conveniently. Travel eSIMs purchased from international providers before arrival can also serve as a practical stopgap for the initial days in Colombia.

Roaming: Extended use of a home-country SIM in Colombia can incur significant roaming charges. Using your home network’s SIM for the first day or two on arrival is practical, but switching to a local prepaid SIM or eSIM will result in considerable savings once you are settling in. Check current roaming terms with your home carrier before travelling.

Who regulates internet and telecoms services in Colombia?

Colombia’s ICT, television, and radio sectors are overseen by a unified convergent regulator — the Communications Regulation Commission (Comisión de Regulación de Comunicaciones, or CRC), established under the ICT modernisation law passed by Congress in 2019. The CRC is the principal authority on broadband regulation, consumer protection, pricing oversight, and service quality standards across the industry.

The CRC’s regulatory agenda spans telecommunications, postal services, and television audiovisual content, with a framework designed to be flexible and adaptable to a converging media and communications environment. A key aim is to bring Colombian regulation into closer alignment with OECD best practices, increasing transparency and grounding policy in data. For expats accustomed to robust consumer protection regimes in OECD countries, this orientation should be reassuring.

For consumers, the CRC’s official website at crcom.gov.co is a useful practical resource. It offers tools for comparing providers, checking coverage maps, understanding your consumer rights, and lodging formal complaints against an ISP in cases of persistent service failures, unfair billing, or contract disagreements. The CRC also publishes regular market reports and statistics providing an up-to-date snapshot of the telecoms sector.

Two further bodies are worth knowing about. The Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies (MinTIC) shapes national digital policy and administers programmes to extend broadband access to underserved communities; its website is at mintic.gov.co. The Agencia Nacional del Espectro (ANE) is responsible for managing radio frequency spectrum — the underlying resource that powers mobile and wireless broadband services. Expats are unlikely to interact with the ANE directly, but it plays an important background role in the regulatory ecosystem that governs digital connectivity in Colombia.

Frequently asked questions about internet access in Colombia

Do I need a Colombian ID (cédula) to sign up for broadband internet?

A Colombian national ID (cédula de ciudadanía) is not a strict requirement for foreign nationals. The majority of major ISPs will accept a valid passport as proof of identity. If you have already obtained a cédula de extranjería (foreign national ID card) through residency status, this can streamline the process further. Some providers may additionally request evidence of your address, such as a signed tenancy agreement. It is always worth confirming the precise requirements with your chosen ISP before applying.

How long does it take to get a broadband connection installed after signing up?

Installation timelines differ between providers and locations. In major cities, a technician appointment is typically scheduled within three to ten business days of a completed application. In smaller towns or locations requiring infrastructure upgrades, the wait may be longer. Request a confirmed installation date when you sign up, and make sure someone can be present at the property on the day of the visit.

Is the internet fast enough in Colombia for video calls and remote work?

In most major urban areas, yes. Movistar recorded a median fixed broadband download speed of 265.34 Mbps and an upload speed of 235.21 Mbps during H2 2024, according to Ookla — well in excess of what is needed for high-definition video conferencing, cloud-based workflows, and streaming. Even mid-tier fibre or cable plans in Bogotá, Medellín, or Cali will handle remote work comfortably. Rural areas can be considerably more constrained, so always verify coverage at your specific address before committing to a location.

Can I use a VPN in Colombia?

Yes. VPN use is legal in Colombia, and no government restrictions on VPN services are currently in place. A large number of expats and remote workers use VPNs as a matter of routine, both to protect their privacy and to access content from their home countries. As with any jurisdiction, it is sensible to use a reputable VPN provider and to keep an eye on official sources in case the legal position changes.

Which mobile network has the best coverage across Colombia?

Claro is widely considered to offer the most extensive coverage, particularly in rural and remote regions. Tigo and Movistar both provide strong coverage in the major cities and towns. In some very remote locations — such as Cabo de la Vela in La Guajira — Claro is the only operator with a signal. For urban living, all three main networks deliver reliable 4G coverage, and 5G is becoming increasingly available across the larger cities.

How affordable is mobile data in Colombia compared to other countries?

Colombia ranks among the cheapest countries in South America for mobile data, with an average cost of approximately 813 pesos (around USD $0.20) per gigabyte as of 2023, according to Cable. Prepaid offerings from all the major operators are competitively priced, and monthly postpaid plans with generous data allowances are available for a modest sum. Check directly with providers for current offers, as plans and promotions are updated frequently.

Are streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify available without restriction in Colombia?

Yes. Major international platforms including YouTube, Facebook, and others are freely accessible in Colombia, and political or social content is not routinely blocked or filtered. Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Prime Video, and comparable services all operate normally in the country. Certain content libraries may differ from those in your home country as a result of licensing arrangements, but using these services is entirely unrestricted.

Where can I compare internet providers and check my consumer rights in Colombia?

The CRC (Comisión de Regulación de Comunicaciones) serves as the official regulator and offers consumer comparison tools, coverage information, and a formal complaints process. The individual websites of Claro, Movistar, Tigo, and ETB all allow you to enter your address and review available packages. Independent performance-testing resources such as Ookla Speedtest and Opensignal can help you assess real-world speeds before or after signing up with a provider.