View Full Version : Internet Access
There seem to be 2 services here, Telecom and Fibertel, that are often used.
The apartment I rented came with Telecom DSL via cable. I'm sure it would be fine for standard use. Well, maybe it would be, let's put it that way.
There have been episodes of brown outs when there was no service or it became very slow.
But in my new apartment I've requested Fibertel be wired into the apartment. I'll start at their 1 MB level service and see how it goes, apparently after it's installed it can be upgraded over the phone and switched in the office.
I'm using Vonage here and have found it's nearly impossible to speak on the phone and have e-mail, browser or fax actively going simultaneously with a phone call. The voice gets choppy and all functions suffer. But when it's good it's like next door. Hoping Fibertel will give me a good sized pipeline and the full boat of mixed use.
I'm renting an apartment in Palermo Viejo and it has high-speed Internet from Fibertel. I've had site-independent slowdowns and short periods (~15 minutes) where I could not go online at all. It seems reliability in this city isn't as good as in the U.S. My SBC connection in California is rock-solid.
I've had Fibertel in my apartment for about 5 months the past year at different times. (I come and go.) It has never had a problem and has been as good as my Chicago broadband account at home. (RCN). In BA I live in Barrio Norte.
Salsero Loco
06-04-05, 00:14
I am going to BA for the first time at the end of this month (can't wait!) and after a few hours of reading through and researching this forum, I have one unanswered question: How/where do most people access the Internet to visit escort websites and do other monger-related research?
I hate doing that sort of thing in public internet cafes where people are always looking over your shoulder.
Also-- are there any internet cafes that allow you to pay for wireless access, allowing to you surf and check your email from you laptop?
Thanks,
SL
Hi SL,
Rent an apartment with a cable internet connection.
Thanks,
Jackson
I got a lot of girls off the internet and stayed in touch with the forum easily by bringing my laptop and renting Jackson's apartment. Suggest you do the same if its in your budgetary limits.
Salsero Loco:
A little known secret is that there are a number of free dialup ISPs in BsAs. This post is coming to you via one of them. So, from ANY hotel/aprthotel etc, you can get free access if you have your laptop with you. The one I am using is 4004-1111. The user name is FULLZERO and I THINK the password is the same ( I entered the damn thing a couple of years ago and, of course, Windows won't tell you what passwords you've entered). I know there are a couple other free dialup site, which were listed in a report in 2003 or 2004.
Frankly, I find the dialup just about as fast as the crap hotels sell as "High Speed Internet" for $10 or more dollars per day.
Good luck!
Salsero Loco
06-08-05, 00:46
Just wanted to thank Oldguy, David33 and Jackson for their prompt response to my inquiry! Hope to be able to pay back all the good karma with some travel reports from BA in a few weeks.
SL
Out for Flesh
07-13-05, 19:48
I'll be going to BsAs in a couple of weeks. I'll be bringing my laptop, and I'd very much like to have Internet access using it (lots of files + programs etc. What I've done in several countries is just to go to a public internet place and ask them to let my connect my laptop. Have any of you done this in Argentina? Can I expect an Internet café "around the corner"? I am unsure as to where I will be staying, so I'd prefer to be advertised should the hotel / apartment have no (or very expensive) connection.
Thanks a lot in advance!
I Googled "free isp buenos aires" and found lots of sites in Spanish, which I cannot read.
Could someone pls help? Need phone number, login, and password for a few sites to check out.
www.fullzero.ubbi.com
www. new-uyuyuy.com
www.tutopia.com
www.datafull.com
Ar. Yahoo. Com.
Thanks, Roger
The "fullzero" link doesn't work. The other two require you to register with lengthy instructions in Spanish. They are designed for people with apartments and even if the internet is free, in Argentina you are charged for every minute you spend on the phone. So, unless you have a cable modem it won't really be free (well, it might be if you stay in an apartment that includes unlimited local calls; many require you to buy phone cards).
IMO there is no need for any of this when internet access is approximately 50 cents US per hour (or less) with no hassle, at any locutorio (public phone place; approximately 90% of these now have internet too) There are locutorios on practically every block in Buenos Aires.
Out for Flesh, yes, many many internet places and very simple matter to hook up your laptop.
I will be in BA in a few weeks and have internet where I am staying but no computer. Is it possible to rent a computer for a week at a reasonable rate?
Just an FYI for those bringing laptops to BA, all of the Cafe Martinez cafes have free high-speed WiFi. There are several around Recoleta and Palermo. I use them almost daily and never see anyone else using a laptop. They used to advertise it but they don't anymore. If you want privacy grab a spot in a corner somewhere or sit outside, the wireless works great there too. Another plus is that they all have a no smoking section. I'm not a smoker and most of those damn internet cafes are swamped in cloud of smoke.
OslersVoice
09-10-05, 14:19
Thanks CO2! That will be helpful when I am in BA!
Here is the link: http://tools.search.yahoo.com/language/translation/tbTranslatedPage.php?fr=slv1-bkt1&lp=xx_en&text=http%3a%2f%2fwww.clarin.com%2fdiario%2f2005%2f09%2f26%2fsociedad%2fs-02615.htm
Bold Focker
11-06-05, 09:39
I will be coming to BA on the 25th Nov. 05.
Can anyone tel me if all these cafe, hotels, and mc donnalds supply a completely free service, or do you have to buy air time.
If you do have to buy air time, does anyone know how much it is?
MY lap top is quite big a bulkly, I am not sure if I can be bother to drag it out!
SF
1,50 too 2,0 pesos an hour in any locutorio. 1 peso if you look around enough although those are becoming rare.Anyway, I think 'smoke free' will be in truoble on the cybercafes (lol) just in a few of them smoking is forbidden.
Full Throttle
11-07-05, 14:31
There is a nice Locutorio at the end of Cordoba as you head toward Porto Madero. It is on the right side and has dedicated WiFi seats complete with AC outlets for your laptop (for most, only an adapter is necessary, as your converter should handle the voltage reduction) Laser prints only $.15 US, I think.
Alternatively, there is one between Maipu and Esmeralda on the opposite side of the street as Excedra. They have an empty desk and allow you to connect to their system through an ethernet cable.
As in most public venues, smoking is required.
FT
OslersVoice
11-07-05, 14:38
There is a nice Locutorio at the end of Cordoba as you head toward Porto Madero. It is on the right side and has dedicated WiFi seats complete with AC outlets for your laptop (for most, only an adapter is necessary, as your converter should handle the voltage reduction)
FTWhat type of plug adapter is needed? Is it the one with two round terminals?
The new wrinkle with internet cafes is that there is a filter that seems to be almost universally used, that blocks some of the websites and frequently, much to my chagrin, this site too.
Slowed some of my research down.
Jaimito Cartero
12-03-05, 05:40
The new wrinkle with internet cafes is that there is a filter that seems to be almost universally used, that blocks some of the websites and frequently, much to my chagrin, this site too.
Slowed some of my research down.I ran into this my last visit. You can ask an employee to turn the filtering off.
I found this filter in 1 place. In the 2 others I use, óne on Plaza de Congreso, no filter, at least re AP.
Worth noting something that almost all dual-voltage laptop owners traveling abroad forget about - getting a power cord that is 220 volt rated.
Many laptop makers with dual voltage AC adapters work just fine, but ironically the power cord coming out of the adapter leading into the outlet is usually only 125v rated (for use with 110/120 US outlets)
Which to be honest for short term use isn't going to fry if used with 220v current running through it, but for long term use you might want to think about getting an actual 220volt rated cord.
Since Saturday I have been without internet access from roughly noon to 6:30-7pm every day (Fibertel-I am in Recoleta) What gives? Is this normal operating procedure for them? I assume they are doing some daytime work somewhere and then hooking up as the Sun goes down. Does anybody know their rep? I am getting ready to move to a long term apartment soon in Barrio Norte, and I am hoping there are options re: ISP.
Theres no other option usually, Fibertel is owned now by CABLEVISION (USA) and market is pretty tight now, trying to get monopoly position here. Actually I had no problems at all within last 3 months in Argentina (service down for no more than 4 hours in total)
StrayLight
05-12-06, 19:40
The new wrinkle with internet cafes is that there is a filter that seems to be almost universally used, that blocks some of the websites and frequently, much to my chagrin, this site too.
Slowed some of my research down.I used to live in the Persian Gulf, where the Arab states routinely filtered Internet traffic big time. Depending of how the filtering is done, here are a couple of techniques that may help.
1. Set your computer to use another DNS server than the one the ISP is directing you to. Often, the filtering is simply the result of the DNS server being set not to resolve certain names. I use this in the States to access web e-mail at work, where the company DNS server is set not to resolve web-based e-mail sites.
2. While you're at home or wherever, "ping" the sites that are filtered and get their IP address (and save it). Then, when you're somewhere that's filtering, enter "http:/ xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx" (where xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx is the IP address). This often bypasses domain name-based filters.
Hope that helps.
Straylight
I'm not to happy with Fibertel. For the 7 months I've had the subscription, they had to send technicians 3 times to my flat because something was bad with the cable. And my girlfriend wanted to have the promotion they are having now, but they never showed up at appointed time. AND for the past week their server have been down twice.
If there is anything good. They sent out an technician on all 3 times the day after I called and complained.
Malaga
I'm not to happy with Fibertel. For the 7 months I've had the subscription, they had to send technicians 3 times to my flat because something was bad with the cable. And my girlfriend wanted to have the promotion they are having now, but they never showed up at appointed time. AND for the past week their server have been down twice.
If there is anything good. They sent out an technician on all 3 times the day after I called and complained.
MalagaI have been in BA for 6 months. In the short term apt I had for 2 months Fibertel's service was out for 3-4 days in a row in my neighborhood before it was fixed. In my present place I have lost service 3 or 4 times for about 6 hours on each occasion. Not a good record, but prior to moving here I had internet service with Atlantic Broadband in Miami Beach. They might have the worst customer service in the world, and beyond. In fact, I still have a working email account with them despite the fact that, 1. I haven't paid for any services with them since 1/06 and 2. I called them and told them about the "free service" in February and they said they would take care of it! One of the few times doing business with a clueless and overwhelmed company works in your favor.:D
I used Arnet which is Telecom's internet service.
I was happy with it. Getting it installed was kind of a pain (techies had to come over twice IIRC) but it worked fine for a long time.
Hi,.
For WIFI "http:/www.Telefonica.com.ar/wifihogares/"
Propose pre-pay cards. (5pesos por 30 minutos)
JustGotBack
08-19-06, 17:43
BA is pretty much WiFi'd up now. I'm sitting at a cafe right now and it has free Wifi. There are a lot of providers showing up on my machine without passwords. So if you need to hook up your laptop, it can be had for the price of a cup of coffee.
Can you give us a couple of good locations?
I was walking around but didn't find anywhere with access:-(
And this Argentinian keyboard is KILLING me.
Any concerns on people sniffing your traffic? (no pun intended)
Jsplash
AllIWantIsLove
03-05-08, 15:30
Does anyone know of a place where I can access the Internet with some privacy? (I know an answer to this was posted at some point in the past but my searches are not finding that post.
Thanks,
Bob
Need some assurance. Have read as many threads about Internet security as I can but am still reluctant to log on to my Scottraade account from Argentina. No big wheeler dealer, but do trade and try to catch a buck or two. Are there any Traders doing actual trades from Argentina that can offer some reassurances about Internet security? Thanks.
I am not a trader, but I can tell you that internet security is just up to standard down here. Actually thinking about it, there are no "stupid" laws down here requiring to store all the email (header) information, and all data connection data. (Not the actual data itself) These laws do exist in the US and in EU.
As long as your browser uses the "https:/" address and it shows that the certificate is trusted (normally a bit of green in the address bar) then you should be ok. (This all means that the traffic between your PC and the server is encrypted, and even when somebody listens in, he will be unable to decrypt it.
So good luck making the few extra bucks!:)
Gato Hunter
09-04-08, 14:17
Don't use wireless for any banking, or any computer other than your own.
If you use WEP it takes about 3-5 minutes to crack. WPA takes a few hours depending on how fast of a processor you have and the key strength.
don't use wireless for any banking, or any computer other than your own.
If you use WEP it takes about 3-5 minutes to crack. WPA takes a few hours depending on how fast of a processor you have and the key strength.And then you get the encrypted (by SSL) packets which you can not decrypt.
As long as the SSL chain is correct, so correct trusted certificate without an error, it is (almost) impossible to crack. Maybe if you have a pretty unlimited computer farm available, but otherwise it will take way too long to decrypt one packet, let alone the whole data communication.
Gato Hunter
09-04-08, 15:44
SSL does not stop a DNS re-direct hack that makes a bogus website to steal your login info. Going in through the front door is not the best way. There are a ton of other hacks that can be employed on a public wireless network.
Banking on a public wireless network I. E. Coffee shop, airport, etc is really asking for it.
My favorite is sitting in the Admirals club watching the wireless traffic, the smart ones plug into the wall. Most companies do not use an encrypted e-mail password. As soon as Outlook gets on the internet it sends the login for e-mail in plain text. If your on wireless I have your server info and login info in a nice text file for me to exploit at a later time.
I have never used the info I see for nefarious purposes, I am a geek thats all.
Cheers!
Thank-you. My gut kept telling me it was OK, but always that skepticism. Probably more vulnerable in the USA than here, more crooks in business in the U. S. This is my first venture to Argentina so the whole trip has been a learning experience, kind of a throw-away thing. Brought an old laptop that I would not trust for anything, no big loss if it disappeared. Next trip, bring the Mac: partial to Apple.
Thanks again for the info.
Unless you are being actively targeted for some reason by relatively sophisticated bad guys, you are unlikely to have a problem using SSL over wired or wireless. Unlikely is not the same as impossible as GH points out.
Using a public computer in an Internet cafe for anything sensitive is not safe. Unfortunately, that includes e-mail if your e-mail account is used for password resets with financial institutions or anything sensitive. Better to have a separate e-mail account for the sensitive stuff.
Is Arnet still the provider of choice: (Internet service)
Lease or purchase modem?
US modem compatible, other than the voltage deal?
My Spanish has failed me again.
Is Arnet still the provider of choice: (Internet service)
Lease or purchase modem?
US modem compatible, other than the voltage deal?
My Spanish has failed me again.Depending on the area Telecom or Telefonica is the telephone company.
Telecom has an ADSL service named "ARnet" and Telefonica has "Speedy".
Recently I brought a modem / router / access point down from the USA for somebody who is using Speedy. He got it installed without any assistance from Speedy.
Having worked with both ARnet and Fibertel I can say that most likely Fibertel is the better choice of the two. Speedy is not reliable according the the person who got the modem.
Remember that none of them is as reliable as the services in the US or Europe.
Depending on the area Telecom or Telefonica is the telephone company.
Telecom has an ADSL service named "ARnet" and Telefonica has "Speedy".
Recently I brought a modem / router / access point down from the USA for somebody who is using Speedy. He got it installed without any assistance from Speedy.
Having worked with both ARnet and Fibertel I can say that most likely Fibertel is the better choice of the two. Speedy is not reliable according the the person who got the modem.
Remember that none of them is as reliable as the services in the US or Europe.Thanks for the info. This compatibility thing (US / AR) is always a question for me. Brought a bluetooth handsfree device for sweet thing and could not make it work. Tried it on numerous phones at the cell phone store and it was a bust. Win some, loose some. Thanks again.
Thomaso276
01-23-09, 10:32
Please search for my posts on Fibertel v Arnet. I have both now and Arnet is far and away more reliable, faster.
PLease search for my posts on fibertel v arnet. I have both now and Arnet is far and away more reliable, faster.Good to hear Thomaso.
My experiences were "old". So I might even change to ARnet myself then since I am also considering changing my CableVision Digital package to a DirecTV package. (Which is cheaper!) The only thing keeping me with CableVision was the internet connection.
Greetings everyone,
I want thank everybody for diverting this thread titled "Internet Access" into three entirely different subjects. As a result...
1. I have moved all the posts regarding the options for bringing a flat screen monitor through Argentina customs to the existing thread titled "Bringing computers and electronics through Customs".
http://www.argentinaprivate.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4896
2. I have moved all the posts regarding the options for acquuiring DirecTV to a new thread titled "DirecTV".
http://www.argentinaprivate.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5253
3. I have moved all the posts regarding the options for bringing a flat screen monitor through Argentina customs to the existing thread titled "Computer and Internet Security".
http://www.argentinaprivate.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4338
If you want to discuss Internet Access in Argentina, then this is the correct thread.
If you want to discuss bringing TV's through customs, or buying DirectTV service, or how to secure the data in your laptop, then please visit the appropriate thread.
Thanks,
Jackson
Is mobile internet (HSDPA /3.5G) available in Argentina? If yes, which operator do you recommend? Are there any prepaid offers?
And thanks for that forum to Jackson and all the active members. It is a great resource for all aspects of being in Bunoes Aires and helped me a lot so far.
Hi All,
I wil be relocating to BA in Mid Nov. I will be trading US stocks and need to know the fastest internet available. Has anyone had any experience using Leased or VPN Lines in order to improve speed and consistent connection.
Thanks in advance.
Ben
Hi All,
I wil be relocating to BA in Mid Nov. I will be trading US stocks and need to know the fastest internet available. Has anyone had any experience using Leased or VPN Lines in order to improve speed and consistent connection.Speed very inconsistent. Though generally usable. I don't know of anyone that provides "leased" lines. I use a VPN everyday all day (except when I am not viewing AP) and am able to work without problems.
IF you need to transfer large amounts of data, Argentina in general will frustrate you.
If your transfers are small, but you need them quick (I. E. Email w / out attachements, web page views) you may have problems at certain times of the day, but it is generally stable.
That said, it is usable, and WiFi is everywhere and free.
PM me and I can give you more specifics.
Fibertel: When the market is open, speed is good, in the evening, falls flat on its ass. Customer service is something to be desired for sure. When I first initiated service, it was the nightmares of nightmares to get things sorted out. One big cluster f@$#. Could be better for sure, but it gets the job done.
Good Luck
Fibertel: Customer service is something to be desired for sure. Hey, we're in Argentina. If anyone finds a telecom, cable, or internet service with good customer service, please post and let us know.
AllIWantIsLove
09-15-09, 23:23
I'm not an Internet expert, but my understanding of VPN is that it gives you a secure connection, not a faster connection nor a more reliable connection. Is my understanding wrong?
Bob.
Hi All,
I wil be relocating to BA in Mid Nov. I will be trading US stocks and need to know the fastest internet available. Has anyone had any experience using Leased or VPN Lines in order to improve speed and consistent connection.
Thanks in advance.
Ben
I'm not an Internet expert, but my understanding of VPN is that it gives you a secure connection, not a faster connection nor a more reliable connection. Is my understanding wrong?
BobThink you are correct. After I did a re-read of the post, the man is probably out of my league. Do day trading my self and plug along OK on Fibertel. Maybe they are moving Goldman to Buenos Aires. More worried about security than anything.
Arnet works reasonably well, but the modem they give you for free sucks. Bring a decent ADSL router from the states, or buy one locally - in the Computer mall off Florida (Galeria Jardin) you will find a good enought selection. Stick with reliable brands like Linksys, Netgear, Dlink etc. (just to name a few)
I did this in my apartment nearly 2 years ago, and am quite happy with Arnet's performance.
El Aleman
A VPN connection just guarantees a point to point service. It is not necessarily fast just means there should be no latency between the two locations.
Failing this there is a leased line which means you are the only user on that connection unlike ADSL / CAble were you are 'sharing' with many other users.
Does anyone have any +ve reports of ISP usage as it all seems fairly negative.
Thanks in Advance
This internet cafe has large booths that have privacy curtains[for those of you that don't want to be seen viewing www.argentinaprivate.com in public!]
I'll be visiting Buenos Aires soon for about a week. I have a laptop, but the safe at the rental apartment isn't big enough for it.
Would it still be worth bringing the laptop, or is it better to rely on the internet cafes?
Any advice would be much appreciated.
I always bring mine and never lock it up. The safe is more to protect against light-fingered visitors rather than a break-in.
There's some risk doing anything sensitive on computers in internet cafes. There is always the possibility that the machines have been compromised with a key logger. I'd never use one for any financial site or even an e-mail if that account is where your password resets get sent.
I'll be visiting Buenos Aires soon for about a week. I have a laptop, but the safe at the rental apartment isn't big enough for it.
Would it still be worth bringing the laptop, or is it better to rely on the internet cafes?
Any advice would be much appreciated.Get a Kensington Lock, I use mine all the time.
Franky Double
08-27-10, 20:55
Post moved to thread titled "Cellphones: Calling-Using-Buying-Importing-Activating-Renting".
http://www.argentinaprivate.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5082
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