Internet for laptop or Blackberry in Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Nicaragua

[vanyodel]

I'm going to be in Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Nicaragua, and need to make sure I get any emails without delay. What are my chances of doing that, and how?

I've got the USB device for connecting my laptop to the Internet via the cell signal, and could of course get a Blackberry. But I don't know whether you have service in those countries, or whether roaming is available for internet access (and what it costs).

Thanks,

vanyodel

[stufried]

Look at the coverage maps at gsmworld.com.  The Domincan Republic has a 3g network blanketing their half of the Island. Nicauraga and Guatamala seem to have solid 2g coverage, but where are you travelling?  The cities or the bush?  Terrestar is rolling out a satellite network that may cover these areas and rides on the ATT network in the U.S.  The phones are Blackberry size and run Windows Mobile.  If a Cedio Redfly will work with them, it may be a good deal at a better price than tethering.  

References:   http://www.terrestar.com/genus.php
                    http://www.celiocorp.com/

                    http://www.gsmworld.com/roaming/GSM_AmericasPoster2009A.pdf

[vanyodel]

Thanks, I'll check out the references you mention.

I don't expect I'll be in a very urban or upscale area. I'm trying to find a nice beach to spend a couple months comfortably,  but without putting out tourist prices for lodging etc.

[DWC1 ACE - Professor]

AT&T offers roaming services in all of those countries at usual roaming rates.  The Blackberry is likely to be the least expensive route.  For costs check here:

http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/international/roaming/international-roaming.jsp  You can also add international data plans to control costs.

Data costs using a laptop connect plan are prohibitive at almost $20 per MB.  Local wifi hot spots will be much cheaper. 

Message Edited by DWC1 on 12-13-2009 01:15:57 PM

[stufried]

The reason I recommend a Celio Redfly (which isn't my favorite device) was that if you coupled with a Blackberry on an International plan you had a usable device for more complex e-mails, basic surfing, etc.  Celio essentially takes your Blackberry screen and moves it to a laptop style device whith a keyboard and a mouse.  The problem is that the Blackberry implementation (unlike the Windows Mobile version) doesn't readjust the image size perfectly. 

[vanyodel]

Is there any way of confirming the existence (and quality) of roaming coverage in remote parts of these countries? Any reliable map or anything?

[stufried]

Nothing is perfect.  You are best looking at the ATT website and noting who their local roaming partners are and then going to the roaming partner's websites and looking at their coverage maps.  Those maps tend to be more upto date.  Also pay attention for anything that may suggest that there data coverage may not be as extensive as their voice coverage.