For digital nomads and remote workers, internet quality isn't a perk — it's a non-negotiable. The good news: Bogotá has one of the strongest broadband infrastructures in Latin America, with fiber-optic internet widely available across strata 3–6 neighborhoods. The nuance is in knowing which provider is wired into a specific building before you sign a lease.
ISP Comparison: Movistar, ETB, and Claro
| Provider | Median Download | Median Upload | Latency (Ping) | Infrastructure | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Movistar | 228.95 Mbps | 200.56 Mbps | ~15ms | FTTH fiber | Speed Leader |
| ETB | 164.77 Mbps | 120+ Mbps | 8ms | Fiber | Latency Leader |
| Claro | 137.03 Mbps | Varies | 28ms | HFC + copper (older zones) | Widest Coverage |
Source: Ookla Speedtest Connectivity Report, Colombia 2024–2025; Finance Colombia ISP rankings.
Provider Profiles
Movistar — The Speed Leader
Movistar is aggressively deploying FTTH (Fiber to the Home) architecture across Bogotá and holds the highest median download speeds in the country. For raw throughput — large file downloads, video editing uploads, 4K streaming — Movistar is the top choice. Standard plans offering 100–300 Mbps run COP 70,000–100,000/month (~$18–$27). Premium gigabit tiers are available up to ~$101/month.
ETB — The Nomad's Choice
ETB (Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Bogotá) is the municipal provider and Bogotá's second-largest ISP. While it trails Movistar slightly on download speed, ETB dominates on latency with an 8ms ping — the lowest in Colombia. For digital nomads who live on Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, and real-time collaboration tools, low latency matters more than raw download speed. ETB is the superior choice for synchronous work. The one caveat: ETB has historically bundled internet with legacy landline phone packages, which can be an administrative nuisance.
Claro — The Coverage Play
Claro is the largest ISP by subscriber volume in Colombia, which means it's in more buildings — including older ones that don't yet have Movistar or ETB fiber infrastructure. However, Claro still relies on hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) and older copper networks in many neighborhoods, producing its lower median speeds (137 Mbps) and higher latency (28ms). Reddit users in Bogotá have been vocal about Claro drops and instability. That said, Claro aggressively discounts its high-bandwidth tiers — gigabit Claro service can be found around $52/month — and it remains the only viable option in some buildings.
2026 Pricing Overview
| Speed Tier | Monthly Cost (COP) | Monthly Cost (USD) | Best Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100–200 Mbps | 70,000–80,000 | ~$18–22 | Movistar / ETB |
| 200–300 Mbps | 80,000–100,000 | ~$22–27 | Movistar / ETB |
| 500+ Mbps | 120,000–200,000 | ~$32–54 | Movistar / Claro |
| Gigabit (1 Gbps) | 190,000–370,000 | ~$51–101 | Movistar |
ℹ️ Is Internet Sometimes Included?
In some furnished apartments — particularly those targeting expats and digital nomads — a basic internet plan is included in the rent or administración fee. Always ask explicitly. "Incluye internet" (includes internet) and confirm the speed tier, not just whether it's included. "Wifi incluido" on a 30 Mbps shared building connection is not the same as a dedicated fiber line.
What to Ask Before Signing
- Which ISPs are physically installed in this building?
- Is it fiber optic (FTTH) or cable/coaxial infrastructure?
- What's the maximum speed available in this unit?
- Is internet included in the price, or do I contract separately?
- Has the current tenant had any connectivity issues?
⚠️ Older Buildings
Pre-2000s concrete construction can significantly degrade WiFi signal penetration. In older buildings in La Candelaria, Teusaquillo, or parts of Chapinero, confirm whether the apartment has ethernet ports in the workspace area — running a wired connection is often the only reliable solution in older concrete units.
Mobile Data as Backup
For backup connectivity or while your home plan is being set up (installation typically takes 5–10 business days), a local SIM card is essential. Movistar's 100 GB prepaid plan for COP 37,990/month (~$10) offers the best data volume. Claro has the strongest coverage outside Bogotá if you travel frequently. All major carriers (Claro, Movistar, Tigo, WOM) support eSIM.