Connect to the internet in Tenerife

Getting Connected to the Internet in Tenerife
- By David Parkes

Whether you are visiting Tenerife for a short holiday or moving to the island permanently, getting connected (or staying connected) to the Internet is a priority for a lot of people. This article explains the options available to you and helps you get a head start.

Spain’s Internet infrastructure is comparable to the UK’s, like the UK it lacks the super-high-speed lines found in homes in France or Sweden, but connectivity is reliable and 1Mbit broadband connections are standard. Still organising a connection in a foreign country can be both daunting and frustrating.

For Holiday Makers

Many hotels and resorts now offer Wireless (WIFI) Internet Access for their guests, which means you can bring over your own Wireless enabled laptop and connect to their network. Most hotels charge a fee for this service. Other resorts have onsite Internet Cafes where you can get online for a small fee. It’s advisable to check with your resort to see what services are available before you travel.

For Residents and those moving to Tenerife

Basically there are two types of Internet Connection available in Tenerife, dial-up and broadband, broadband always takes the form of ADSL. Both require a telephone line.

If you already have a telephone line and want easy access to the Internet then you can download the Telefonica Internet Connection Disk here. Its in Spanish, but if you run the program and accept the default settings throughout the Installation Wizard your computer with then be configured to use the Telefonica pay as you go dial-up service. You are charged local call rates whilst you are online.

Nowadays most people opt for Broadband in the form of ADSL, this has several benefits most notably it’s greater speed, typically 20 times faster than dial-up. This not only gives you the advantage of faster web browsing and access to multimedia content but also makes it much easier to keep your computer up to date with chunky security fixes from Windows Update and the latest Antivirus Definitions. Best of all there are no call charges for accessing the internet and you can still talk on the phone whilst you are browsing the web.

You can order a 3Mbit ADSL Connection from Telefonica with your own Wireless Router for just 39.90 Euros per month. This also includes FREE local & national calls to Landlines. Often there are special promotions where the connection costs are waived but bear in mind you may also have to pay 79,53€ to connect your phone line + 70,90€ for the Wireless router. Ask for “Plan Duo ADSL 3 Mbit”.

ADSL is available in most areas of Tenerife, but some rural and remote areas are still without coverage, in which case you are stuck with dial-up. But a similar Duo package is available giving you Tarifa Plana (Anytime) internet access with no call charges and free local & national calls to landlines for 22.00 Euros per month. Ask for “Dúo Internet + Llamadas”.

Where to Order

Telefonica Online - http://www.telefonicaonline.com/ (In Spanish)
Direct Telecom - http://www.direct-telecom.es/
Telefonica In English - http://www.telefonicainenglish.com/

Just want Pay-as-you-go Dial-up Access?

Download the Telefonica Internet Connection Disk Here (1.4MB): http://www.nuclearinternet.com/TelefonicaNet/telefonicanet.exe
NB: The Installation Wizard is in Spanish.

About the Author:
David Parkes is a Web Developer and Systems Administrator, with 7 years experience. His company Nuclear Internet has helped dozens of businesses embrace the World Wide Web and get ahead online.

David focuses his energies on providing professional Web Design & Development services to his clients along with reliable hosting services and Internet consultancy. David can be reached via his company web site http://www.nuclearinternet.com, he regrets however he is unable to provide support for people encountering problems with their home or office Internet Connection.

Living in Tenerife

Tenerife Property

Starting a Business

Out and About in Tenerife

Holiday Locations

Recommended Links

Get Connected

Getting Connected to the Internet in Tenerife
- By David Parkes

For Holiday Makers

For Residents and those moving to Tenerife

Where to Order

Just want Pay-as-you-go Dial-up Access?

Living in Tenerife

Tenerife Property

Starting a Business

Out and About in Tenerife

Holiday Locations

Recommended Links

Get Connected

Getting Connected to the Internet in Tenerife - By David Parkes

For Holiday Makers

For Residents and those moving to Tenerife

Where to Order

Just want Pay-as-you-go Dial-up Access?

Getting Connected to the Internet in Tenerife
- By David Parkes