Mobile service in Panama There are two primary mobile service providers in Panama: +Móvil, Tigo +Móvil (Cable & Wireless) Also known as Más Móvil, 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 +Móvil 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 Panamá from Telefónica. 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. Read also Visas for Panama Landline service in Panama Although the importance of landlines in Panama is decreasing for personal use, they are still quite prevalent in the business environment. The main operators of landline services are: +Móvil; Tigo; InterFast. InterFast is a smaller provider that offers landlines and internet access. Read also Accommodation in Panama Most companies offer bundled services, such as internet and landline. They tend to have better prices than if purchased separately. Packages start at $40 per month. To subscribe to a landline service, telecom companies request proof of identity and proof of address. Additionally, some providers may ask for proof of legal residency in Panama. Takeaway Panama's telecommunications landscape is evolving. Mobile services are overtaking the personal use market. However, landlines are still prevalent in business environments. The leading providers, +Móvil and Tigo, offer mobile, internet, television and landline services. The Panamanian telecommunications industry is well-equipped to meet the connectivity needs of modern life. Useful links: +Móvil Panama Tigo Panama InterFast