I was wondering how is the internet connection in CT. I am planning a trip and I would be taking my Ipad with Cell tower. I was thinking to purchase an AT&T international data plan vs get a local SIM card for my Ipad.
I wonder how reliable are the local cell companies with the internet in CT and also where to purchase the SIM cards? local TI offices?
Adolfo
PS: thanks again for your advise and help.
Posted by
Fort Lauderdale, FL
1234 posts
Vernazza was good. I bought a SIM card in the US before leaving, with a data plan, but really only used wifi. Only slow connection was in my room. Verizon's data plan was way too expensive, don't know about AT&T.
Posted by
OP
Clermont, Florida
15 posts
AT&T sells you 120MB for 30 dollars or 300MB for 60 dollars .
AT&T is been Ok whenever I travel to central america, caribbean islands, Madrid, Barcelona and Paris
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15246 posts
SIM cards can be purchased at any phone store or electronics authorized dealer. They are ubiquitous in every town, however I'm not sure about the Cinque Terre since they are very tiny villages. I'm sure there are plenty stores in nearby La Spezia, however since I presume you will be landing in some big city, where you can certainly find a store, it would be a good idea to purchase your SIM card before you head to the Cinque Terre.
Not sure about iPad, but for iPhone €30 will buy you a SIM card with about 2Gb of data, 300 to 500 voice minutes (remember that incoming calls are free, you pay only outgoing calls), about 300 to 500 SMS text messages (incoming are free), plus €5 credit for other purchases (like international calls). When the credit becomes zero, you can reload money in it in €5 increments at any store displaying the provider logo (basically all tobacconists, newstands, electronic or phone stores, etc). Tobacconists are easiest because they reload electronically (they just need phone provider name and tel number). Newstands generally sell you a card that you scratch with a coin to get a pin number (like a lotto card). Then you call a number provided by your cell phone provider, follow the prompts, enter that PIN number you scratched and the value of the card you purchased is loaded on your SIM. Since this might require knowledge of Italian (to follow the recorded prompts on the phone) just go to the tobacconist, they'll do everything for you.
Posted by
Boston
1709 posts
If it's just internet you need, you don't need to buy anything. There are many many free wifi hotspots all around Italy. Liguria is well on the way to having free public wifi in every city and town. When we travelled in Liguria and Piedmont in May there was free wifi everywhere - much more so than in Boston. There is a national program, Free WiFi Italia, with a common registration for many cities including Rome and Venice. Many of the systems also accept registrations from networks like Boing.
Posted by
OP
Clermont, Florida
15 posts
Thanks to everybody who took the time to response to my question.
I like to keep my options open ( AT&T vs local SIM card).
I do need internet that is secure because I am a physician here in the US, I would need my Ipad to call back patients and review my patients charts. When I am out of town, I can send prescription refills to my patients and contact my Medical assistance regarding my patients. I need a secure internet connection. I wish I could disconect from my solo practice but I can not.
Adolfo Teran