Guatemala

There are three network operators in the Centralamerican state of Guatemala: Tigo is market leader with the best coverage, followed by Claro and Movistar. No MVNOs yet.
 * Tigo
 * Claro
 * Movistar

Mobile networks are on different frequency bands according to provider. Tigo is on 850 MHz only, which is rare for 3G, Claro is on 900 and 1900 MHz for 2G/GSM and 1900 MHz for 3G, while Movistar is on 1900 MHz for 2G and 3G only with a lower coverage, but higher speeds.

4G/LTE started in 2014/5 on all three networks and is so far limited to Guatemala City and a few other towns. Tigo’s LTE is on 850 MHz, Claro on 2600 MHz (but not commercially launched yet) and Movistar on its 1900 MHz band. 4G/LTE is open to prepaid without surcharges on all providers, where available.

Officially, an ID or passport is required by law to purchase a SIM card for registration purposes. SIM cards called chips are available in the official stores of the providers and larger convenience stores. The operators compete heavily and give out many promotions like “triple days” when they will triple your recharges in value.

Top-ups can be made online or at any small convenience store in the country. Look for the signs of the operators. In stores recharges are often done via intermediate cards. Therefore you need to give your phone number. If you don’t know numbers in Spanish, write it down before.

Tigo
Tigo, owned by multinational Millenium Group, is the clear market leader in the country with more of 50% of the nation’s customers. It has the best coverage at the highest prices in Guatemala. 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE are all on 850 MHz. So better check your device before, if it’s capable. Tigo has launched LTE services in 2015 in the capital Guatemala City and the municipalities of Santa Catarina Pinula, Villa Nueva, San Miguel Petapa, Villa Canales, Amatitlan Fraijanes and San Jose Pinula. 4G services are available at no extra cost to subscribers on any of Tigo’s mobile data plans.

Availability
SIM cards are sold for Q 50 in their branded and other stores with Q 25 credit and 200 MB. You don’t have to subscribe to a plan for data. Recharge vouchers are available at Q 10-100 everywhere.

Data feature packages
For data you have to add packages called paceticos:

-      Table

For subscription type *123# and choose the bundle. All bundles of 100 MB or more have free Whatsapp chat included.

Data-only SIM
On their data-only SIM for modems they include these packages for data:

-   Table

Activation is made online or by texting activation code to 404.

More information

 * APN: broadband.tigo.gt
 * Website in Spanish: http://www.tigo.com.gt/

Claro
Claro owned by Mexican América Móviles is the 2nd operator caring for 30% of the mobile users. Its coverage is only slightly less than Tigo’s and their 900 and 1900 MHz frequency is more accessible for devices from overseas. It only has started recently with 4G/LTE on 2600 MHz in Guatemala City, but doesn’t commercially market it up to now.

Availability
Their starter pack is sold for Q 30 in their branded and other stores (locator) with 150 MB, 30 domestic SMS and Q 30 credit. When you top up for the 1st time Q 10 or more, top-up credit will be quadrupled.

Top-ups are available in many stores and online Q 5-200 valid for 1-30 days depending on amount. SIM plan will stay valid for up to 90 days without a top-up.

Data feature packages
These superpacks are offered for data:

-    List

To activate, type *555# and. For social media, they offer daily packs: up to 20 MB for Whatsapp at Q2 and up to 50 MB on Facebook at Q5.

Data-only SIM
For modems and tablets their data-only Internet Móvil SIM is sold. For prepaid it has two tariff lines according to the maximum speed:

LIST

Activation is through their mobile internet portal.

More information

 * APN: internet.ideasclaro
 * Website in Spanish: http://www.claro.com.gt/portal/gt/sc/personas/

Movistar
Movistar by Spanish Telefónica is the close 3rd provider with almost 30% of the national user's share. It has the lowest prices in the country, but also a slightly weaker coverage. It has the most aggressive pricing and offers the best roaming rates for Central America.

In 2014 it switched on its 1900 MHz 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network in ‘the capital city, provincial capitals and some tourist sites’. By the end of 2015 Guatemala City is mostly covered by LTE: 4G coverage map

SIM cards can be obtained at many shops and Movistar branded stores (locator). The prepaid chip contains Q 30 credit, 20 mins to the US and 250 MB data for a start.

Top-ups are at least doubled in value, in promotions on certain days given 3 times, 4 times or even 6 times its face value. This bonus credit can be used for calls, texts and data. Check balance by texing ‘SALDO’ to 777. Top-ups are made by scratch card of Q5, Q10, Q15, Q27, Q50 or Q100, electronic recharges at banks, supermarkets and service stations or online through credit cards.

Data featured packages
For data you can add one of these packages in up to 4G/LTE where available:

LIST

To activate, type *123# and choose package.

Central American roaming option
In 2015 Movistar started its "sin fronteras" (without borders) option for regional roaming in Central America. Without further activation, you can use data, voice and texts on the Movistar networks of Mexico, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Panama for the domestic Guatemalan rate.

More information

 * APN: internet.movistar.gt
 * Username and password: movistargt
 * Website in Spanish: http://www.movistar.com.gt/