Connecting with the Internet is practically a necessity of modern day existence unless you’re cooped up in a hermit lifestyle.
Most Lakeside residents today depend upon the worldwide web for day-to-day personal and business communications.
Local consumers have the option of contracting service from Telmex Infinitum or Telecable, the area’s main Internet carriers, or subscribing through leading cell phone companies such as TelCel, Movistar and Iusacell.
TelMex Infinitum uses DSL (digital subscriber line) for high-speed Internet service coming in over your phone line. The cheapest home service package runs at 389 pesos per month for speeds up to 10 Megabits per second (Mbps), including land line phone connection with 100 local calls and 200 cell calls, and international calls to 50 countries allowed free of charge.
Telecable service is also digital, delivered over cable TV lines. The basic package provides up to 5 Mbps plus access to 50 television channels for a 459 monthly charge. The company’s 3x2 deal includes phone service along with Internet and TV priced at 512 pesos monthly for the first six months.
Cell phone outfits take advantage of the local cell tower system that feeds Internet to your device, requiring an adaptor to plug into your computer. Check prices at outlets for your company of choice.
Internet delivery types
Technology experts compare the advantages and disadvantages of the two most common delivery sources.
Essentially, with DSL speed will not be reduced no matter how many users are on line at the same time. However, the farther the distance between your home and the central office server, the slower it gets, with a one kilometer radius considered optimum and two kilometers being about the maximum useable range.
With cable distance doesn’t matter, but speed does drop as more users connect.
A Telmex modem includes “router” capabilities, meaning can connect up to four other devices (Magic Jack, Vonage, networked printers, etc.), as well as any number of tablets, phones and other wireless gadgets. WiFi capability is baked into the modem rented out as part of your contract.
Telecable now includes the same type of router in their box (which is not actually a modem), with WiFi capabilities available for a small extra monthly fee.
It should be noted that both companies have certain limitations regarding areas where custom service is currently deficient or altogether unavailable.
(Part two of a series on this topic will delve into typical Internet speeds detected at different locations and general service quality issues. Special thanks to local computer guru Mike Riley for guidance in unraveling technological matters.)