Mobile service聽in Panama
There are two primary mobile service providers in Panama:
- +M贸vil,
- Tigo
+M贸vil (Cable & Wireless)
Also known as M谩s M贸vil, this is the oldest provider in the country. In 1997, the well-known British company Cable & Wireless began operating in Panama after the Panamanian government privatized the state-owned National Institute of Telecommunications. Cable & Wireless purchased a majority stake, making its triumphal entrance into the country. In 2022, this telecommunications giant acquired another major player in the local market, Claro, and integrated its operations into the +M贸vil brand. The operator offers mobile, landline, internet, and television services.
Tigo
In 2020, Millicom International Cellular, the parent company of Tigo, purchased the operations of Movistar Panam谩 from Telef贸nica. Although the Tigo brand name is relatively new in the country, its acquired portfolio of Movistar is vast, as the latter began operating here in 2003.
How to choose your mobile service provider
When choosing a mobile provider in Panama, consider coverage, service quality, and plan options. Coverage can be patchy in some parts of the country, although services have improved significantly in recent years. In Panama City, connectivity is decent, no matter which operator you choose.
Residents can choose between prepaid and postpaid plans. Panama's visitors are limited to prepaid options. Residents need a valid local ID to purchase a SIM card, whereas foreigners must present their passports. SIM cards are available at telecom companies' offices for as little as $3-$5. As for top-up cards, they are available online, in supermarkets, and in department stores.
Prepaid data packages vary based on the amount of data and validity period, ranging from $2 to $10. Postpaid packages, which include calls, texts and unlimited data, range from $20 to $40.
