Internet Availablity on the Camino Frances?

[Donna W]

Hi, Everyone.

My husband and I are planning to do the Camino Frances from SJPP to Santiago (continuing on to Finistere and Muxia) beginning in August, 2015. I am retiring from my full-time position but do adjunct teaching online for a few universities. Because of the timing of classes, I'll likely need to continue my classes (albeit at a reduced number) while walking the Camino. I'm interested to know about the reliability of internet connectivity, inasmuch as I'll likely need to tap into class a few times a week while walking.

Can anyone provide some information regarding accessibility and reliability of the internet along the Camino Frances?

 

[LesBrass]

Hi Donna - I used free wifi everyday whilst walking. Most Albergues have free wifi and many many bars and restaurants too. One day I had to make a video call at Los Arcos and had excellent free wifi in a municipal internet cafe on the edge of town.

I'm confident you'll be fine

Have a great walk!

 

[Pilgrim-S-414]

While you do have Wi-Fi access in lot of albergues and there are plans to expand it.. I wouldn't count on it.
I needed stable Internet access myself during my Camino and I got a prepaid SIM card with a data plan. Signal was good most of the route, I could make Skype calls normaly.
There are several data plans available, just find a mobile store in Pamplona... There are several near the bus station.
Buen Camino!

 

[Mark Lee]

I never had a problem finding free wireless internet connectivity on either Camino Frances walked. It's everywhere. Albergues, hotels, pension houses, bars cafes, etc.

 

[naplesdon]

I never had a problem finding free wireless internet connectivity on either Camino Frances walked. It's everywhere. Albergues, hotels, pension houses, bars cafes, etc.

Don't forget using public libraries.

 

[donalomahony]

Internet access is generally very good, sometimes surprisingly good and occasionally a disaster!

The disaster is usually when you need it most!

But, hey! That's life on the Camino...

 

[Donna W]

Internet access is generally very good, sometimes surprisingly good and occasionally a disaster!

The disaster is usually when you need it most!

But, hey! That's life on the Camino...

Yup. That's been my experience in varied situations. Things work great until you REALLY need them! Murphy's Law...or something like that, right?

 

[Robo]

While you do have Wi-Fi access in lot of albergues and there are plans to expand it.. I wouldn't count on it.
I needed stable Internet access myself during my Camino and I got a prepaid SIM card with a data plan. Signal was good most of the route, I could make Skype calls normaly.
There are several data plans available, just find a mobile store in Pamplona... There are several near the bus station.
Buen Camino!

I will need to pick up a local SIM in Spain. I notice on my schedule that I am likely to hit Pamplona on a Sunday. Do you think the mobile phone stores will be open?

 

[Susan hopes]

St. Jean, the albergue I stayed in did not have wi-fi. The next place I found it was in Roncenvalles; however, it worked only in the lounge on the first floor.

I think it would be accurate to say that at best, wi-fi is "somewhat reliable."

 

[Bajaracer]

I will need to pick up a local SIM in Spain. I notice on my schedule that I am likely to hit Pamplona on a Sunday. Do you think the mobile phone stores will be open?

Contact the stores to see if they will be open. Lebara has their site in English and is easy to understand.
http://www.lebara.es/storefinder

 

[Robo]

Contact the stores to see if they will be open. Lebara has their site in English and is easy to understand.
http://www.lebara.es/storefinder

Thanks. Unfortunately there are no email addresses on the site. I'll call them on Sunday..... that's one way to find out.

 

[SYates]

Do you have to login at exact times, like in giving real time lectures, or is it more a thing of checking things from time to time with a margin of flexibility? If you have to be online at specific times then not only Murphy's law could make problems but also the time difference between Spain and the US. Buen Camino, SY

 

[Robo]

Do you have to login at exact times, like in giving real time lectures, or is it more a thing of checking things from time to time with a margin of flexibility? If you have to be online at specific times then not only Murphy's law could make problems but also the time difference between Spain and the US. Buen Camino, SY

Hi SY,

No not specific times. I just promised to call or email my wife each day, so she knows I'm still alive

 

[SYates]

Oops, sorry @Robo, my answer was more aimed at @Donna W 's original question. SY

 

[scruffy1]

Birriatzdon said it first, public libraries can be a port in the storm! Open afternoon and evenings and Saturday mornings usually faster than WeeFee n ot WiFi.

 

[Robo]

Oops, sorry @Robo, my answer was more aimed at @Donna W 's original question. SY

My fault for jumping in to respond!

 

[Pilgrim-S-414]

I will need to pick up a local SIM in Spain. I notice on my schedule that I am likely to hit Pamplona on a Sunday. Do you think the mobile phone stores will be open?

I don't think that they'll be open on Sunday. But here is a small shop where I got the SIM card in Pamplona. https://www.facebook.com/freemovilpamplona
I suggest you try contacting them directly to arrange a meeting at specific time on Sunday when you arrive. Its a small business so they might be more flexible.
Alternatively get it in next larger town.
Buen Camino!

 

[Margaret Butterworth]

I read on this forum that the Spanish Govt is providing free wifi all along the Camino. Can anyone confirm that this is indeed the case.

 

[Donna W]

Do you have to login at exact times, like in giving real time lectures, or is it more a thing of checking things from time to time with a margin of flexibility? If you have to be online at specific times then not only Murphy's law could make problems but also the time difference between Spain and the US. Buen Camino, SY

No, I don't have to log on at specific times. I just need to check the classes briefly each day but it doesn't matter what time. So hopefully I won't get to much Murphy's law coming into play. <----I'm an optimist!

 

[SYates]

You should be fine than, wifi is extremely widely available on the CF. Buen Camino! SY

 

[Rebekah Scott]

there is so much internet on the camino now you don't even have to come to Spain to walk the camino! You can do it "virtually," in a dozen different ways... Or you can physically walk pretty much the entire thing and never have to leave your private virtual world.
What a miracle, eh?

 

[bystander]

there is so much internet on the camino now you don't even have to come to Spain to walk the camino! You can do it "virtually," in a dozen different ways... Or you can physically walk pretty much the entire thing and never have to leave your private virtual world.
What a miracle, eh?

Love it but perhaps, for some, you should have added the internet shorthand - "/s" !