Search

Find Us On Facebook

Twitter & RSS

Follow David Dovale
Follow Curacao Connected
Follow Curacao Classifieds

RSS Feed

Get our RSS Feed
Get our E-mail feed

User Login

Advertisement

ISE Box

Sponsored Links

 

SearchTo place FREE classified ads that target the market in Curacao, please visit Curacao Classifieds.

SmartphoneDoes your company sell Blackberries in Curacao? Visit Blackberry Curacao to set up special advertising.

Announcement Links to all of my columns,articles and other projects can be found at David Dovale.com.

 
 
 
 
The 3G Technology in Curacao PDF Print E-mail
Written by David Dovale   
Monday, 11 August 2008 00:00

UTS & MIO

Trying to explain to someone what "3G" is is not the simplest thing to do but MIO has a special 3G page where they explain the 3G technology. Taking a quote from them...

"3G stands for third generation, and is a wireless industry term for a collection of international standards and technologies aimed at increasing efficiency and improving the performance of mobile wireless networks.

3G wireless services offer enhancements to current applications, including greater data speeds, increased capacity for voice and data and the advent of packet data networks versus today’s switched networks.

As second-generation (2G) wireless networks evolve into third-generation systems around the globe operators are working hard to enable 2G and 3G compatibility and worldwide roaming, including 3G UMTS, GSM, GPRS, IS-95A/B, 3G CDMA2000 1X and CDMA2000 1xEV technologies."


So, what were basically looking at is the third generation of mobile technologies which brings along with it really fast data transmission.

icon 225
UTS was the first to introduce 3G here on Curacao with their 3G USB Modem which delivers speeds up to 3.6 Mbit/s. You will be online anywhere on the island but because it's a shared connection, you'll have to keep in mind that speeds will fluctuate.


As for the pricing, you will pay an initial fee for the modem itself and then a monthly fee depending on the the data plan that you have signed up for.

Modem Prices

* All prices are in Antillian Guilders

Modem Model Price
Option model iCon 225
267.00
Huawei model E226 380.00
Huawei E270 405.00
Huawei E170 430.00

 

 

 

 

Rate Plan

* All prices in Antillian Guilders

Data Plan Price
3G Data Only without ADSL contract
149.00
3G Data Only with ADSL contract* 75.00

 

 

 

* With a two year contract of 1Mbps or 2Mbps speed

The advantage besides the fast download speeds is the ease of which you can transport the modem and that you have wireless access on the go, anywhere on the island. We have reviewed this modem already so for a detailed view, please click here.

As for MIO, they upgraded fully to 3G and customers will pay 155,- guilders a month along with a 3 month contract for a 3.2 Mbit/s connection. For those who go with a contract, the price willl be 125,- guilders a month along with a contract of 18 months. There's also a Naf. 49,- activation fee and the modem will cost Naf. 149,-.

We have also reviewed the MIO 3G usb modem and that review can be found here.


Comments (26)
  • |2008-12-07 14:06:29 tobi  - 3g phones
    avatar
    how is the connction with 3G phones on curazao. anybody has experience with example iphone 3g and if it works good?
    Reply | Quote
  • |2008-12-08 01:06:21 David Dovale
    avatar
    3G iPhones are being sold here but I have not tried one personally yet. The 3G service that UTS offers supports data but does not support "voice" yet so I don't know how that would work in for example the iPhone. Maybe you could just browse the internet, download etc etc but not make calls (if using that 3G UTS chip)
    Reply | Quote
  • |2009-01-09 04:41:04 GJ  - 3G coverage on Curaco by UTS & Mio
    avatar
    Is there any data available on the actual 3G coverage around Curacao? I cannot find any relevant information on the UTS or Mio websites. Is 3G coverage all across the island or only in the urban area around Willemstad?
    Reply | Quote
  • |2009-01-16 23:46:56 Rob
    avatar
    Where would I go on the island to purchase and set up a 3 month plan for one of the USB connections? Can't seem to find any information on the web about retailers for their products. Specifically would like one in the downtown Willemstad/punda area.
    Reply | Quote
  • |2009-01-17 10:32:09 David Dovale
    avatar
    Well, if you're going with MIO like you stated in your other comment, MIO's office can be found on the "Maalweg". That's in Salinja, which is pretty close to Punda. There's a McDonald's there and right next to it you'll find the MIO place. There's also some car dealerships right across...

    If you need more directions, let me know..
    Reply | Quote
  • |2009-01-17 10:48:02 Rob
    avatar
    Well, if you were me and needed a fast broadband connection for 3 months who would you choose? Money really isnt the issue, most of them are reasonable to me. I think you guys do a great job here, I'm glad I found this site.
    Reply | Quote
  • |2009-01-17 11:38:24 David Dovale
    avatar
    Well, in your case, I think MIO would be the best option. They specifically offer 3 month contracts if I'm not mistaken so that fits perfectly with your time table and it's mobile and the speed is very nice. Most MIO customers I've spoke to recently have been really happy.

    Scarlet offers a no contract option on their wireless internet, but even though it's wireless, you still need a power outlet, meaning you are less mobile as compared to a USB modem.

    So..for you, I'd go MIO. Check with them if they still offer 3 month contracts and if not, Scarlet also an option. I'm not mentioning UTS because their 3G comes with a 2 year contract and ADSL is not something you're going for I think.
    Reply | Quote
  • |2009-01-17 11:39:01 David Dovale
    avatar
    Oh, and thank you for the nice words. This is what we aim for, giving people information on what the local market has to offer.
    Reply | Quote
  • |2009-01-17 12:11:32 Rob
    avatar
    NP, I found that Mcdonalds on a map of curacao. Its about a 45min walk from where I am I'll definetly head over there today or tomorrow. Thanks for all the help, I'll definetly let you know how the connection works out.
    Reply | Quote
  • |2009-01-17 12:43:32 David Dovale
    avatar
    Make sure you have the Micky D's on the Maalweg because there's another Micky D's not too far from there...but that one is right across KFC. So, just make sure you have the right one.
    Reply | Quote
  • |2009-01-18 10:33:11 Rob
    avatar
    This is the MCdonalnd's in Salina on the circle. I'm assuming thats the right one.
    Reply | Quote
  • |2009-01-18 11:52:19 David Dovale
    avatar
    There are two in Salinja. There's one across KFC and next to the "Salinja Galleries" (Big yellow building)

    And there's one that's across a school and that has car dealerships on the ither side of the street. You need that one.
    And two or three buildings down the street is the MIO office. You can't miss it. It has a big MIO sign on it.
    Reply | Quote
  • |2009-01-18 13:15:46 Rob
    avatar
    Sweet I'll check it out tomorrow, I doubt theyre open on a sunday. By the way, some other poeple staying here with me also were wondering how fast the best scarlet modems rated for you guys. Theyre considering getting those, since they do a month by month contract. Most of them are into online gaming and need a robust bandwith. i.e. World of Warcraft and Call of Duty
    Reply | Quote
  • |2009-01-18 21:48:48 David Dovale
    avatar
    Well, last I checked they went 'till 1MB down I think. I don't dare to say for sure though. And if that is robust enough for the gaming?? Probably, I have friends who play WOW on 1MB connections and it seems to go fine. But are they going to share the connection?? Because it won't be enough if more people are going to game at the same time I think....
    Reply | Quote
  • |2009-01-20 10:29:32 Robert Weick
    avatar
    Thanks! they'll have seperate connections so it should be ok. Heading to Salina this afternoon.
    Reply | Quote
  • |2009-10-07 19:45:48 JM  - Will a handset with 3G 900/2100 work in Curacao?
    avatar
    I am planning to buy an HTC Diamond2 phone which has 3G frequency as follows: HSDPA/WCDMA - 900/2100 MHz Europe/Asia.

    Will I be able to use this for 3G in Curacao?

    Thanks for your help!
    Reply | Quote
  • |2009-10-07 23:46:18 David Dovale
    avatar
    No, probably not. Our 3G doesn't work on phones yet here.

    We can use the chip and surf via 3G modems but when you insert it in your phone...nothing (as of yet)
    Reply | Quote
  • |2009-10-08 18:23:30 JM
    avatar
    Thanks for the heads-up, David. In that case, I will just go with the HTC Diamond2.
    Reply | Quote
  • |2009-10-08 18:27:37 David Dovale
    avatar
    Hey JM,

    Just to be clear. "3G" phones will work here with the regular sim cards entered. If you have an iPhone 3G here, you insert your regular Sim and it works.

    Thing is..you can't insert the 3G Sim and have it work. UTS' 3G doesn't offer voice yet and the data only seems to work via the 3G modem. People who have inserted it in their iPhone 3G did not get "data" on it..

    I hope you understand what I mean...

    If there's anything else...don't hesitate to ask.
    Reply | Quote
  • |2009-10-08 18:41:17 JM
    avatar
    So I can use a 3G phone in Curacao with the regular SIM card and it will work as normal.

    Data capability will be limited to EDGE or Wi-fi but I will not be able to get 3G speeds nor functionality.

    Is my understanding correct?
    Reply | Quote
  • |2009-10-09 00:58:53 David Dovale
    avatar
    Exactly!

    Your 3G phone will work with the regular SIM. You'll be able to call, get called, send sms, receive sms and get "Data" from Wi-Fi or GPRS.

    The 3G sim in the phone is useless for now. Hopefully not for long, but as of right now it is.
    Reply | Quote
  • |2009-10-22 19:11:25 JM
    avatar
    David, do you know which frequency is used for the 3G data sim in Curacao?

    Is it HSDPA 900/2100 by any chance?
    Reply | Quote
  • |2009-10-22 22:19:56 David Dovale
    avatar
    Hey JM... I can't say that for sure.

    That MIO page doesn't really say it either. I'll look into that for you and send you a reply should I find it.
    Reply | Quote
  • |2010-07-05 14:29:32 arthur  - internet providers in Curacao
    avatar
    Hi I was wondering if you could help me with some questions.
    -Which companies are offering adsl or cable in Curacao??
    -Who has the fastest and how fast (mbps)is it?
    -Which company is more reliable, thus best connection and services?
    Reply | Quote
  • |2010-07-05 14:44:26 David Dovale
    avatar
    ADSL is offered by UTS (check the ADSL page for more info and prices). Cable is offered by Curacao Cable Television.

    UTS and Curacao Cable both have 2MB packages, but UTS unveiled a new 4MB connection a while ago and will soon be offering 8MB. Some areas already have this connection, as I have personally seen speed tests that went up to 10MB.

    As for the reliability and service? It's probably a tie. MIO customers complain, Scarlet customers complain and UTS customers also complain a whole lot. I'm a UTS customer and I'm fed up with their service. No one stands out in the service department.
    Reply | Quote
Write comment
Your Contact Details:
Gravatar enabled
Comment:
[b] [i] [u] [url] [quote] [code] [img]   
Security
Please input the anti-spam code that you can read in the image.

!joomlacomment 4.0 Copyright (C) 2009 Compojoom.com . All rights reserved."
 
 
 

Curacao Connected

Curacao Connected

Curacao Connected: Tech, IT, Hardware, Software & Productivity in Curacao / Technologie op Curacao

Curacao Classifieds

Curacao Classifieds

Curacao Classifieds: Free Classified Ads For The Curacao Market/Zoekertjes en Tweede Hands Verkoop Curacao.

David Dovale.com

David Dovale

David Dovale.com: Links to my columns, articles and the projects that I'm working on.

Questions/Comments

If you have any questions, comments or experience any issues with regard to any websites that are part of the Curacao Connected network, please contact me at david@curacaoconnected.com.

For advertising requests, send e-mail to advertise@curacaoconnected.com.