Colombia ranks 32nd globally for fixed broadband speeds, with a median download of 292.77 Mbps, putting it ahead of many Western European countries on that metric. Whether you are setting up a home office in Bogotá, working remotely from a coastal town, or simply landing and needing a SIM card on day one, this article covers everything from mobile network coverage and prepaid plans to home fiber options, satellite internet, public WiFi, and the device registration rules that catch many newcomers off guard.
Overview of connectivity in Colombia
Colombia's internet infrastructure has advanced rapidly, driven by nationwide fiber-optic rollouts and the activation of 5G Standalone networks across major cities. The country ranks 32nd globally for fixed broadband speed, with a median download of 292.77 Mbps and an upload of 234.43 Mbps, according to the Speedtest Global Index. Mobile internet ranks 76th globally, with a median download of 99.54 Mbps, supported by ongoing 5G antenna expansion.
Urban centers enjoy strong performance. Bogotá records a median fixed download of 243.10 Mbps, and Cartagena frequently charts as one of the fastest local markets in the country. Rural areas, by contrast, remain largely dependent on 4G networks or satellite solutions. Expats relocating outside major cities should plan around this gap from the start.
The four main telecom operators are Claro, Movistar, Tigo, and ETB, with ETB primarily serving Bogotá. Each has a distinct footprint in terms of speed, coverage, and pricing, which the sections below break down in detail.
Landlines in Colombia
Traditional landlines are being phased out in favor of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and cloud-based telephony, but fixed phone numbers remain common because they are bundled as standard in "Triple Play" packages (internet, TV, and landline) offered by Claro, Movistar, and ETB. Many expats end up with a fixed number simply as part of their home internet contract, which can be useful since some government agencies and official forms still ask for one.
Local fixed numbers in Colombia follow the country code (+57), a one-digit geographic area code (1 for Bogotá, 4 for Medellín, 2 for Cali), and a seven-digit local number. VoIP providers offer cloud-based landline services completely untethered from a physical desk phone, making them practical for businesses and frequent travelers. A landline is not required to set up home internet; providers also offer standalone fiber or "Double Play" (internet and TV) packages.
Mobile phone networks in Colombia
The Colombian mobile network market is dominated by four operators. Claro holds the largest share and leads the 5G rollout, operating over 2,200 5G base stations across 50 cities as of early 2026, which represents roughly 92% of all initial 5G sites nationwide. Claro also maintains 4G coverage across 100% of Colombia's municipal capitals, making it the most reliable choice for expats who travel frequently outside major urban areas or into rural departments, the Amazon, or the Pacific coast.
Movistar and Tigo formed a joint infrastructure venture for their combined 5G rollout, with the partnership targeting over 1,185 5G sites by the end of the first quarter of 2026. Both operators perform well within metropolitan areas and are competitive options in cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali. WOM acquired 5G spectrum but has faced delays in large-scale deployment due to financial restructuring; it continues to offer competitive 4G data rates in the meantime.
The 5G network was officially activated in February 2024 following national spectrum auctions. Coverage is concentrated in major cities; outside urban centers, 4G remains the standard.
Getting a SIM card in Colombia
Colombia enforces mandatory real-name SIM card registration. You cannot buy an anonymous, activated SIM off the shelf. At any official operator store for Claro, Tigo, or Movistar, you need to present a valid passport and provide a local address to register a prepaid physical SIM. Airport kiosks offer convenience but typically charge more than neighborhood carrier stores.
eSIMs are available from local carriers at retail stores and can be activated quickly via QR code on compatible smartphones. For long-term residents, signing up for a postpaid contract requires a Cédula de Extranjería (foreigner ID card), which allows providers to run a credit check through Colombia's credit bureau system.
Newly arriving expats who need immediate data connectivity can use an international eSIM that operates on local networks via roaming agreements. These work on arrival without requiring in-store passport registration, though they are typically data-only and cost more per gigabyte than a local prepaid plan.
Good to know:
Buying a SIM from an unauthorized street vendor carries real risk. Without proper registration, the card will be blocked quickly. Always use an official operator store or authorized kiosk.
Mobile phone plans in Colombia
Mobile data costs in Colombia are among the most affordable in the region. Prepaid plans (prepago) are sold as packages lasting 7 to 30 days. A typical 30-day Tigo package offering 18 GB of data, plus zero-rated WhatsApp and Facebook, costs around COP 20,000 (approximately USD 5.40). Movistar offers comparable 30-day bundles of 15 to 20 GB at a similar price point of around COP 20,000. Claro's 30-day equivalent runs around COP 33,000 (approximately USD 8.90) for 30 GB.
Many plans apply zero-rating to selected social media and messaging apps, meaning usage of WhatsApp, Facebook, or X does not count against your data allowance. Since WhatsApp is the primary communication tool in Colombia for both personal and professional purposes, this is a practical advantage worth factoring into your plan selection.
Entry-level 5G postpaid contracts start at around COP 39,900 (approximately USD 10.80) and generally require a Colombian ID or a solid local credit history, which most newly arrived expats will not yet have. For this reason, many expats remain on rolling 30-day prepaid packages rather than committing to a postpaid contract. Top-ups can be purchased at supermarkets, pharmacies, and through each operator's app.
Bring your own phone or buy locally in Colombia
Unlocked phones from abroad generally work in Colombia, but a strict device registration law applies. When you insert a Colombian SIM card into a foreign-bought phone, you will receive an SMS prompting you to register the device's IMEI number with your local provider within 30 days. This process, known as homologación, involves presenting proof of identity and a purchase receipt or ownership declaration at an operator store. Failure to complete registration within the deadline will result in the phone being permanently blocked on all Colombian networks.
For network compatibility, Colombia's 4G LTE network uses Band 4 (AWS) and Band 7. The 5G network operates primarily on the 3.5 GHz band (n78). Most modern flagship smartphones sold in North America, Europe, and Asia support these bands, but it is worth confirming before you travel.
Buying a smartphone locally is straightforward. Devices are subject to Colombia's 19% value-added tax (IVA), though handsets below roughly COP 800,000 may qualify for an exemption. Prices for mid-range and flagship devices tend to run higher than in the US or parts of Asia as a result.
Home internet options in Colombia
Fiber-optic (FTTH) connections are the dominant home internet technology in urban Colombia, having largely replaced older DSL and coaxial cable setups in major cities. The main providers are Movistar, ETB (particularly well regarded in Bogotá for low latency), and Claro, which holds the largest national market share overall.
For expats living outside fiber-served areas, Starlink satellite internet is fully operational in Colombia and has become a practical solution for rural properties, coastal areas, and digital nomad hubs where terrestrial infrastructure is limited. Current Starlink pricing in Colombia breaks down as follows:
- Residencial Lite plan: COP 150,000 (approximately USD 40.50) per month
- Standard Residencial plan: COP 250,000 (approximately USD 67.50) per month
- Hardware kit: COP 1,599,000 (approximately USD 432)
- Roam plan (100 GB): COP 210,000 (approximately USD 56.75) per month
- Roam plan (unlimited): COP 415,000 (approximately USD 112.15) per month
Setting up home internet in Colombia
Signing up for a fixed home broadband connection typically requires a Cédula de Extranjería. Some providers may accept a passport, but this often means higher deposits or additional verification steps. Obtaining your foreigner ID before applying will make the process considerably smoother.
One factor that directly affects your internet bill is Colombia's "estrato" system, a socioeconomic classification assigned to residential neighborhoods on a scale of 1 to 6. Residents in estratos 5 and 6 pay higher utility rates, which subsidize lower-income estratos. This applies to internet contracts as well, so an apartment in a higher-estrato neighborhood will carry a higher monthly bill for the same plan than one in a mid-range neighborhood.
A 900 Mbps symmetrical fiber package from Movistar is available at around COP 75,992 (approximately USD 20.50) per month under current promotional pricing. Installation typically takes 2 to 5 business days, and providers generally supply a modem and router at no upfront cost for term contracts. Most contracts carry a minimum commitment period of 12 months. Providers frequently offer Triple Play bundles (internet, TV, and landline) at a discount, which can represent better value than a standalone internet plan depending on your usage. ETB's residential fiber plans are listed on the ETB residential portal.
Internet speeds and reliability in Colombia
Colombia's internet speeds are competitive by regional standards. The national median fixed broadband download sits at 292.77 Mbps with an upload of 234.43 Mbps, according to the Speedtest Global Index. ETB achieves latency figures as low as 7 ms on fiber in Bogotá, making the network well-suited for video calls, remote work, and latency-sensitive applications.
Fiber connections are generally stable. One recurring reliability issue in certain areas is physical infrastructure sabotage, particularly copper cable theft, which can cause temporary outages. ETB operates a dedicated response line for such incidents. On legacy coaxial (HFC) networks, some congestion during evening peak hours between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM may slightly reduce speeds, though this is less of a factor on fiber or 5G connections.
Expats working remotely from major Colombian cities can expect conditions fully adequate for bandwidth-intensive tasks. Tropical storms can occasionally cause local power outages that interrupt router connectivity, so a small uninterruptible power supply is worth considering if you work from home.
Public WiFi in Colombia
Colombia has invested substantially in public internet access through municipal "Zonas WiFi Gratis" programs. Bogotá has over 11,400 free WiFi zones in parks, TransMilenio stations, and public squares. Medellín maintains over 1,500 hotspots, including locations like Parque de los Pies Descalzos and Jardín Botánico. Cali has around 3,194 spots, Barranquilla around 3,136, and Cartagena around 1,952. These networks typically require a one-time email registration through a captive portal.
Commercial public WiFi is available in virtually all cafes, restaurants, and coworking spaces; staff can provide the password on request. As with any unencrypted public network, conducting mobile banking or accessing sensitive accounts over these connections carries standard cybersecurity risks. Using your mobile data plan instead of public WiFi for sensitive transactions is a straightforward way to manage this.
Internet censorship and VPNs in Colombia
Colombia operates an open internet environment. There is no government-mandated censorship, no blocked social media platforms, and no restrictions on foreign news outlets. VPN use is fully legal, and the government does not restrict or penalize VPN traffic. Colombia's Data Protection Law (Law 1581) provides a framework for user privacy, though it does not prohibit ISPs from standard data practices.
Expats most commonly use VPNs to access streaming libraries or banking portals from their home countries that block logins from Latin American IP addresses, and to add a layer of security when connecting to public WiFi networks. No specific VPN product is required; the choice depends on individual needs and preferences.
Tips for staying connected in Colombia
WhatsApp is the central communication tool across all of Colombian society. It is used to confirm appointments, communicate with landlords, contact customer support, and coordinate with local services. Having an active mobile data plan that supports WhatsApp is not optional; it is a practical necessity for daily life.
If you use a dual-SIM phone or a device that supports a physical SIM plus an eSIM, you can keep your home country number active for banking SMS codes while running a local Colombian data plan. This setup is worth arranging before or immediately after arrival.
Digital payment apps are tied directly to mobile numbers in Colombia. Nequi and DaviPlata, two of the most widely used mobile wallets in the country, use your phone number as your account identifier. Treat your Colombian mobile number with the same care as a financial credential: losing access to it can affect your ability to send and receive payments.
Register your phone's IMEI as soon as you insert a local SIM into a foreign-bought device. The 30-day window passes quickly, and the operator will send you SMS reminders. The registration can be completed at any operator store with your passport and proof of purchase.
As a backup for unexpected data outages or when traveling, keeping a secondary international eSIM active on your device gives you a fallback option without needing to visit a store.
Frequently asked questions
How good is the internet in Colombia?
Colombia ranks 32nd globally for fixed broadband, with a median download speed of 292.77 Mbps according to the Speedtest Global Index. Fiber coverage in major cities is broad, and speeds are well-suited to remote work and video-intensive tasks. Rural and remote areas rely more heavily on 4G or satellite connections, so quality varies significantly depending on where you live.
Which mobile network is best in Colombia?
Claro holds the largest market share and provides the most comprehensive 4G and 5G coverage, particularly in rural areas and smaller municipalities. Movistar and Tigo are strong alternatives in major metropolitan areas and are competitive on speed within city limits. If you travel frequently outside cities or into remote regions, Claro offers the most consistent signal.
How do I get a SIM card in Colombia?
Visit any official Claro, Tigo, or Movistar store with your passport and a local address. Colombian law mandates real-name registration for all prepaid SIMs, so you cannot activate a SIM card without presenting identification. eSIMs are also available at operator stores for compatible devices and can be activated via QR code on the spot.
How much does a mobile plan cost in Colombia?
A 30-day prepaid package typically costs between COP 20,000 and COP 33,000 (approximately USD 5.40 to USD 8.90) and includes 18 to 30 GB of data depending on the operator. Most plans also zero-rate WhatsApp, meaning it does not count against your data allowance. Postpaid 5G contracts start at around COP 39,900 (approximately USD 10.80) per month but require a Colombian ID or local credit history.
Do I need to register my phone in Colombia?
Yes. If you bring a phone bought outside Colombia, you must register its IMEI with your local network provider within 30 days of inserting a Colombian SIM. The process is completed at an operator store with your passport and a purchase receipt or ownership declaration. A device that is not registered within the deadline will be permanently blocked on all Colombian networks.
How do I set up home internet in Colombia?
Contact a provider such as Movistar, ETB, or Claro, present your Cédula de Extranjería, and select a plan. Installation typically takes 2 to 5 business days, and the modem and router are usually provided at no extra cost on a term contract. Note that your monthly rate will vary depending on the socioeconomic estrato classification of your neighborhood, with higher-estrato addresses paying more for the same plan.
Can I use Starlink in Colombia?
Yes, Starlink is fully operational in Colombia. Residential plans range from COP 150,000 to COP 250,000 per month (approximately USD 40.50 to USD 67.50), and the hardware kit costs COP 1,599,000 (approximately USD 432). It is particularly useful for expats living in rural areas, along the coast, or anywhere fiber infrastructure has not yet reached.
Are there any websites or services blocked in Colombia?
No. Colombia has an open internet environment with no government-mandated blocks on social media, news outlets, messaging apps, or VoIP services. VPN use is entirely legal. Many expats use VPNs primarily to access home-country streaming services or banking platforms that restrict logins from foreign IP addresses.
Is public WiFi widely available in Colombia?
Yes. Government-sponsored free WiFi zones are available in cities across the country. Bogotá alone has over 11,400 municipal hotspots in parks, transit stations, and public squares. Access typically requires a one-time email registration. Commercial WiFi is also standard in cafes, restaurants, and coworking spaces throughout the country.
What messaging apps do people use in Colombia?
WhatsApp is the dominant messaging platform across all of Colombia and is used for personal, professional, and commercial communication. Unlike in some other markets, traditional SMS is largely obsolete in everyday life. Having an active mobile data plan that supports WhatsApp is essential from day one.
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