New York City Speed Test: JFK/EWR Airports, Midtown, Subway Platforms

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New York City Speed Test: JFK/EWR Airp...

New York City Speed Test: JFK/EWR Airports, Midtown, Subway Platforms

30 Oct 2025

Speedtests
New York City Speed Test: JFK/EWR Airports, Midtown, Subway Platforms

New York is a hard stress test for any mobile network. We spent two days measuring real‑world performance at JFK and Newark (EWR) airports, across busy Midtown blocks, and on multiple subway platforms. Our aim: practical guidance for travellers deciding between airport Wi‑Fi and 5G, whether Midtown crowds crush throughput, and how usable platforms are while you wait for a train. This report prioritises lived experience over lab peaks. We ran multiple tests at commuter peak and off‑peak, indoors and outdoors, and we compared against three Midtown hotel Wi‑Fi networks. You’ll find a summary of results, location‑by‑location notes, and a copy‑paste CSV so you can inspect the data. If you’re planning a US trip, pair this with an eSIM from our Esim United States range or multi‑country cover via Esim North America. For other countries and future comparisons, browse our Destinations hub.

What we tested and how

Devices and profiles

  • Two recent 5G phones (Sub‑6 with C‑band and mid‑band support).
  • eSIM profiles on mainstream US networks plus an international roaming eSIM.
  • Tests performed with VPN off, battery above 40%, and mobile data preference set to 5G Auto.

Locations and times

  • Airports: JFK Terminal 4 departures (check‑in, security, two gate areas) and Terminal 8 concourse; EWR Terminal A (new concourse) and Terminal C food court.
  • Midtown: Times Square (7th Ave/45th), Bryant Park, Herald Square, Grand Central exterior, and a 33rd St office lobby.
  • Subway platforms: Times Sq–42 St (A/C/E and 1/2/3), Grand Central–42 St (4/5/6), 34 St–Herald Sq (B/D/F/M/N/Q/R/W), and 14 St–Union Sq (L/4/5/6).
  • Time windows: weekday morning commute (07:30–09:30), lunch (12:00–14:00), evening (17:00–19:00), late night (22:00–23:00).

Method

  • Three runs per spot via Speedtest app; we logged downlink, uplink, latency, jitter, signal strength, and RAT (5G/4G).
  • Where venue Wi‑Fi existed (free airport Wi‑Fi and three Midtown hotels), we ran two Wi‑Fi tests per spot on 5 GHz networks.
  • We averaged per spot and noted congestion spikes, captive portals, and any dead zones.

Headline results at a glance

  • Airports: JFK 5G mid‑band generally fast and consistent (150–400 Mbps down; 15–50 Mbps up; 18–35 ms latency). EWR A/C similar or slightly lower (120–320 Mbps down). Free airport Wi‑Fi varied widely (25–180 Mbps down), with higher latency and occasional captive portals.
  • Midtown streets: Solid mid‑band 5G when outdoors (80–350 Mbps down) but congestion dips around Times Square at lunchtime and pre‑theatre, where some runs fell to 20–60 Mbps. Latency on mobile stayed sub‑40 ms even under load.
  • Inside buildings: Lobbies and deep interiors dropped to 4G or low‑band 5G in some cases; speeds ranged 10–80 Mbps down with higher jitter.
  • Subway platforms: Coverage is expanding; most major stations tested had usable LTE/5G on platforms. Typical speeds 8–90 Mbps down, 2–25 Mbps up, with sporadic “No service” pockets in older sections. In‑tunnel between stations remains hit‑and‑miss.
  • Hotel Wi‑Fi vs 5G: Two hotels delivered 30–60 Mbps with 60–120 ms latency and aggressive captive portals; one business‑class property delivered 120–220 Mbps down but still 30–60 ms latency. 5G usually beat Wi‑Fi for upload and latency, and matched or exceeded download at peak times.

Location‑by‑location findings

JFK Airport (Terminal 4 and 8)

  • Check‑in and security halls (T4): 5G mid‑band was strong across operators with 180–320 Mbps down and 15–40 Mbps up. Free Wi‑Fi was usable (40–120 Mbps down) but required captive portal acceptance; latency 35–70 ms.
  • Gate areas (T4 B concourse): Best mobile results of the airport, frequently 250–400 Mbps down on mid‑band, and steady 20–45 Mbps up. Video calls were smooth even with background syncing. Wi‑Fi here fluctuated from 25 to 110 Mbps depending on nearby users.
  • Terminal 8 concourse: Slightly lower medians (150–260 Mbps down). We noted uplink dips in the 10–20 Mbps range at peak boarding times.

Pro tips: - If Wi‑Fi captive portals fail, toggle Wi‑Fi off and rely on 5G for faster onboarding and lower latency. - Avoid deep corners behind pillars near gates; step into the main concourse for better 5G mid‑band.

Newark Liberty (EWR Terminal A and C)

  • Terminal A (new building): Consistent mid‑band 5G with 160–300 Mbps down, 18–40 Mbps up, 20–32 ms latency. Free Wi‑Fi delivered 60–150 Mbps down in open seating areas, but dipped under 20 Mbps near crowded food zones.
  • Terminal C food court: Higher contention; mobile still acceptable (120–220 Mbps down). Wi‑Fi varied the most here (10–90 Mbps), with notable jitter during peak meal windows.

Traveller takeaway: - At both airports, mobile 5G was the safer default for uploads (docs to cloud, messaging attachments). Use Wi‑Fi only when you need to save data or if you find an uncrowded access point.

Midtown Manhattan streets and hotels

  • Streets and plazas: Outdoor mid‑band 5G carried well along 6th and 7th Avenues. Lunchtime at Times Square saw the steepest drops; several tests fell below 50 Mbps down due to crowd density. Even then, latency held under ~45 ms, keeping maps, rideshare, and messaging responsive.
  • Lobbies and lifts: We saw handoffs to low‑band 5G or LTE with downlink in the 10–40 Mbps range. Uploads were the pain point inside (often <10 Mbps), affecting cloud photo backup and large email sends.
  • Hotels (three properties):
  • Business hotel near Bryant Park: 120–220/20–40 Mbps with predictable performance but higher latency (30–60 ms) than mobile.
  • Two mid‑range hotels near Herald Square and Times Square: 20–60/5–15 Mbps, captive portals, device quotas, and occasional throttling at night.
  • Versus 5G: Mobile 5G beat or matched hotel Wi‑Fi on upload and latency in all three cases, and beat two hotels on download.

Pro tips: - If your video call matters, tether from 5G in Midtown rather than relying on mid‑range hotel Wi‑Fi. - Try a window‑side spot for stronger 5G when indoors; walls and metallic façades can heavily attenuate mid‑band.

Subway platforms: coverage and speed reality

  • Platform coverage is expanding station by station. We found usable LTE/5G at Times Sq–42 St, Grand Central–42 St, Herald Sq, and Union Sq platforms.
  • Typical results: 8–90 Mbps down, 2–25 Mbps up, 30–60 ms latency. Newer stations and renovated sections skewed higher.
  • Dead zones: Some corners and transfer corridors still drop to “No service” or edge‑LTE. Between stations, expect intermittent service; do not rely on continuous connectivity for real‑time navigation or calls.

Platform tips: - Download offline maps before you go. - Send large attachments while still on the platform; uplink often collapses once the train departs. - If you need a hotspot, stand near stairwells or open mezzanines where signals tend to be stronger.

5G vs hotel Wi‑Fi: which should you pick?

Use mobile 5G when: - You need low latency (video calls, live collaboration). - Uploads matter (cloud backups, sending docs). - Wi‑Fi is captive‑portal‑gated or throttled.

Use Wi‑Fi when: - You’re preserving roaming data or on a tight cap. - You can access a premium or business‑grade SSID. - You’re downloading large app updates off‑peak.

Checklist to decide in 30 seconds: 1. Test ping and upload (not just download). If latency >60 ms and upload <5 Mbps on Wi‑Fi, switch to 5G. 2. If your phone shows weak 5G indoors, move closer to windows or try Wi‑Fi. 3. Avoid VPN during tests; it skews latency. Re‑enable after. 4. Disable low‑power or data‑saver modes for accurate benchmarking. 5. For sensitive work, use personal 5G + VPN rather than shared hotel Wi‑Fi.

How to replicate our nyc speed test mobile

Step‑by‑step: 1. Prepare your device: update OS, ensure 5G Auto is on, disable VPN, and charge >40%. 2. Install two speed apps (e.g., Speedtest and Fast). Close all other network‑heavy apps. 3. At each spot, run three tests on mobile data, 30–60 seconds apart. Note RAT (5G/4G) and signal bars/dBm if available. 4. If Wi‑Fi exists, join the main SSID, complete any captive portal, and run two tests. 5. Log results in a simple CSV with: datetime (local), location, lat/long (approx), network tech, down/up/latency/jitter, signal_dBm, and notes. 6. Airplane mode toggle between locations to force a clean network attach.

Pro tips: - Test at different times; NYC congestion is time‑dependent. - Stand still during tests; movement changes cell selection and beamforming. - For consistent comparisons on future trips (e.g., Paris, Milan, Barcelona), repeat the same method and compare with our Esim France, Esim Italy, and Esim Spain travellers’ notes, or cover a broader trip with Esim Western Europe.

Traveller recommendations

  • Primary SIM choice: For single‑country travel, a US eSIM is simplest; see our Esim United States options with generous high‑speed data. Multi‑city North America itinerary? Use Esim North America.
  • Business travellers: Consider a plan with strong uplink and hotspot allowance for Midtown calls and airport uploads. If you manage a team, our For Business page outlines pooled data and spend controls.
  • Partners and events: If you operate venues or events in NYC and want predictable connectivity for attendees, collaborate via our Partner Hub.
  • Pre‑trip planning: Check other city reports on Destinations to benchmark expectations.

Dataset: NYC speed test mobile (CSV sample)

Below is a sample of our log. Header row included; units are Mbps for throughput and ms for latency/jitter. Locations are approximate to protect privacy.

datetime_local,location,venue,lat,lon,network,down_mbps,up_mbps,latency_ms,jitter_ms,signal_dbm,notes 2025-09-17 08:05,JFK T4,Check-in Hall,40.6438,-73.7820,5G,286,32,23,6,-93,Free Wi‑Fi busy; mobile steady 2025-09-17 08:18,JFK T4,Security Exit,40.6436,-73.7817,5G,254,28,21,5,-95,High footfall 2025-09-17 09:02,JFK T4 B,Gate Area,40.6446,-73.7810,5G,372,41,19,4,-89,Best results at B concourse 2025-09-17 10:11,JFK T8,Concourse,40.6460,-73.7847,5G,198,17,28,8,-96,Uplink dip near boarding 2025-09-17 12:32,Times Square,7th Ave/45th,40.7590,-73.9855,5G,62,14,37,11,-101,Heavy congestion lunchtime 2025-09-17 13:05,Herald Square,Outdoor,40.7496,-73.9870,5G,181,24,29,7,-97,Consistent mid‑band 2025-09-17 14:22,Bryant Park,Outdoor,40.7536,-73.9832,5G,212,27,24,6,-94,Good outdoors 2025-09-17 15:40,Hotel A,Lobby Wi‑Fi,40.7525,-73.9850,Wi‑Fi,56,9,74,18,NA,Captive portal present 2025-09-17 16:10,Hotel B,Room Wi‑Fi,40.7506,-73.9872,Wi‑Fi,138,31,41,10,NA,Business SSID stable 2025-09-17 17:55,Grand Central,Exterior,40.7527,-73.9772,5G,168,22,26,7,-98,Pre‑commute steady 2025-09-17 18:22,34 St–Herald Sq,Platform,40.7496,-73.9879,5G,48,11,39,12,-104,Usable on platform 2025-09-17 18:45,Times Sq–42 St,Platform,40.7553,-73.9870,LTE,22,6,52,16,-106,Crowded; LTE fallback 2025-09-17 19:08,Union Sq–14 St,Platform,40.7359,-73.9903,5G,74,18,33,9,-100,Good for messaging/calls 2025-09-17 21:15,EWR Terminal A,Concourse,40.6895,-74.1745,5G,264,35,24,6,-92,Low contention late 2025-09-17 21:40,EWR Terminal C,Food Court,40.6924,-74.1787,5G,182,21,28,9,-97,Evening crowd

For requests to use or extend this dataset (e.g., adding venues or dates), get in touch via our Partner Hub.

FAQ

  • Is mobile 5G faster than airport Wi‑Fi in NYC?
    Usually, yes—especially for uploads and latency. Download speeds can be similar when Wi‑Fi is uncongested.
  • Will my phone work on subway platforms?
    At major stations, yes, with usable LTE/5G on platforms. Expect gaps in corridors and between stations.
  • What speeds should I expect in Times Square?
    Outdoors on 5G, 50–250 Mbps is typical, but lunch and pre‑theatre peaks can dip below that due to crowd density.
  • Is hotel Wi‑Fi reliable for video calls?
    It varies. Business‑grade Wi‑Fi can work, but many hotels have higher latency or throttling. Tethering over 5G is often smoother.
  • Do I need a US‑specific eSIM for best speeds?
    It helps. A local plan from Esim United States typically provides better performance and predictability than pure roaming. If you’re visiting Canada too, consider Esim North America.
  • Where can I find more city speed tests?
    Browse our evolving library on Destinations. Planning Europe next? See Esim Western Europe for multi‑country coverage.

Next step: Choose your US plan and be ready for NYC’s networks with Esim United States.

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Andes Highlights (3 Weeks): Peru–Bolivia–Chile–Argentina Connectivity

Andes Highlights (3 Weeks): Peru–Bolivia–Chile–Argentina Connectivity

Planning a south america itinerary 3 weeks through the high Andes? This route stitches together Peru’s Sacred Valley, Bolivia’s La Paz and Salar de Uyuni, Chile’s Atacama Desert, and northern Argentina’s quebradas or Mendoza wine country—often by long-distance bus and a couple of short flights. Connectivity is different at altitude: coverage is strong in cities but drops in high passes and salt flats; bus Wi‑Fi is patchy; border towns can be blackspots. The smart move is an eSIM with multi‑country coverage, backed by offline maps, offline translations, and a simple routine for crossing borders by bus without losing service. Below you’ll find a practical, connectivity-first itinerary; checklists to prep your phone, apps and documents; and on-the-ground tips for staying online where it matters: booking transport, hailing taxis, backing up photos, and navigating when the signal disappears.If you’re transiting via Europe or North America, you can also add a layover eSIM to stay connected door-to-door. Start with our country list on Destinations, then follow the steps, and you won’t waste time chasing SIM shops at 3,500 metres.The 3‑week Andes route at a glanceWeek 1: Peru (Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu) - Fly into Cusco (or Lima then connect). - Base in Cusco; day trips to Pisac/Chinchero/Maras–Moray. - Train to Aguas Calientes; Machu Picchu visit; return to Cusco or continue to Puno/Lake Titicaca.Week 2: Bolivia and Chile (La Paz, Uyuni, San Pedro de Atacama) - Bus/collectivo via Copacabana to La Paz. - Fly or overnight bus to Uyuni. - 3‑day Uyuni–altiplano tour ending in San Pedro de Atacama (Chile).Week 3: Chile and Argentina (Atacama to Salta or Mendoza/Buenos Aires) - Choose: - North: San Pedro to Salta/Jujuy by bus; fly to Buenos Aires. - Or South: San Pedro–Calama flight to Santiago; bus or flight to Mendoza; onward to Buenos Aires.Connectivity notes (quick): - Cities: generally strong 4G/4G+; 5G in major hubs (Santiago, Buenos Aires). - Altitude/rural: expect long no‑signal stretches (Uyuni, altiplano passes, Paso Jama). - Bus Wi‑Fi: often advertised, rarely reliable. Plan to be offline onboard. - Border regions: networks switch; a multi‑country eSIM avoids sudden loss.eSIM vs local SIMs for a 4‑country tripFor a route with multiple borders and remote legs, eSIM wins on time and reliability.What a multi‑country eSIM gets you: - One plan across Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina (check coverage per country on Destinations). - No passport/SIM registration queues at kiosks. - Keep your home number active on the physical SIM for calls/SMS codes. - Instant top‑ups if you burn data on photos or navigation.When a local SIM still helps: - Long stay in one country with heavy data use (e.g., a month in Buenos Aires). - Dead zones where a different local network performs better (rarely worth the hassle on a 3‑week pace).Practical approach: - Use an eSIM as your primary data line across all four countries. - If you find a specific local network far better in one region, add a cheap local SIM and keep the eSIM as backup.Device readiness checklist (before you fly)1) Check eSIM compatibility and SIM‑lock status on your phone.2) Buy and install your eSIM while on home Wi‑Fi. Keep a PDF/printed copy of the QR code.3) Label lines clearly (e.g., “eSIM Andes Data”, “Home SIM”).4) Turn on data roaming for the eSIM; leave roaming off for your home SIM to avoid charges.5) Set up dual‑SIM rules: data on eSIM; calls/SMS default to home SIM if needed.6) Download offline: Google Maps/Organic Maps for all target regions; language packs (Spanish at minimum); bus/air tickets; hotel confirmations.7) Cloud backups: set to upload on Wi‑Fi only; pre‑create shared albums for travel companions.8) Test tethering/hotspot with your laptop/tablet.If you’re transiting popular hubs, consider a short layover eSIM: - USA connections: add an Esim United States or a broader Esim North America.- Europe connections: Madrid/Barcelona? Use an Esim Spain. Paris or Rome? See Esim France and Esim Italy. Multi‑country layovers? Try Esim Western Europe.City‑by‑city connectivity notesCusco &amp; the Sacred Valley (Peru)Coverage: Good in Cusco city; variable in high villages (Maras/Moray) and along Inca Trail approaches.Tips: Download Sacred Valley maps offline; pin viewpoints and ruins. most taxis use WhatsApp—save your accommodation’s number.Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes: Patchy to none at the citadel. Upload your photos later; don’t rely on live ticket retrieval.Lake Titicaca: Puno and CopacabanaPuno: Reasonable 4G; bus terminals crowded—screenshot QR tickets.Crossing to Copacabana: Expect a signal drop around the border; have directions saved offline.La Paz (Bolivia)Good urban 4G; the cable car network has decent signal but tunnels do not.Yungas/“Death Road” tours: Mountain valleys cause dead zones—share your emergency contacts with the operator, carry a charged power bank, and don’t plan remote calls.Uyuni and the Altiplano (Bolivia to Chile)Uyuni town: OK 4G; ATMs finicky—use Wi‑Fi for banking apps.Salt flats/lagunas: Assume offline for most of the 3‑day tour. Guides often carry satellite phones; agree a pickup time/place in San Pedro and preload your map route.San Pedro de Atacama (Chile)Town: Solid 4G; accommodations often have Wi‑Fi but speeds vary.Geysers, Valle de la Luna: Offline navigation essential; sunrise trips start before mobile networks wake up in some areas.Salta/Jujuy or Mendoza/Buenos Aires (Argentina)Salta/Jujuy: Good city coverage; quebradas have long no‑signal sections.Mendoza: City 4G/5G; vineyards outside town can be patchy.Buenos Aires: Strong 4G/5G; ideal for cloud backups and large downloads before you fly home.Border crossings by bus: step‑by‑stepThe big ones on this route: Peru–Bolivia (Puno/Copacabana), Bolivia–Chile (Uyuni–San Pedro via Hito Cajón), Chile–Argentina (Paso Jama to Salta or Los Libertadores to Mendoza).How to keep service and sanity:1) The day before:- Top up your eSIM data.- Confirm your plan includes both countries you’re entering/leaving.- Download offline maps for both sides of the border and your town of arrival.- Save bus company WhatsApp and terminal address offline.2) On departure morning:- Keep a paper copy or offline PDF of tickets, insurance, and accommodation proof.- Charge phone and power bank; pack a short cable in your daypack.3) On the bus:- Don’t count on bus Wi‑Fi. Keep your eSIM as primary, but expect drops near mountain passes.- If your phone supports it, enable “Wi‑Fi calling” for later when you reach accommodation Wi‑Fi.4) At the border posts:- Data may be unavailable. Keep QR codes and booking numbers offline.- After exiting one country and entering the next, toggle Airplane Mode off/on to re‑register on the new network.- If the eSIM doesn’t attach, manually select a network in Mobile Settings.5) Arrival:- Send your accommodation a quick WhatsApp when you’re back online.- Recheck your eSIM’s data roaming is on; confirm you’re on an in‑country network, not a weak roaming partner.Pro tips: - Dual profiles: If your eSIM allows, keep a secondary profile for a different network in the same country—helpful in border towns.- Cash buffer: Some border terminals don’t accept cards; download a currency converter for offline use.Offline survival kit (5‑minute setup)Maps: Download regions for Cusco, Sacred Valley, Puno, La Paz, Uyuni, San Pedro, Salta/Jujuy or Mendoza, and Buenos Aires.Translations: Download Spanish for offline use; add phrasebook favourites (bus tickets, directions, dietary needs).Documents: Save PDFs of passports, tickets, hotel addresses; star them for quick access.Rides: Screenshots of pickup points; pin bus terminals and hotel doors.Entertainment: Podcasts and playlists for long bus legs, set to download on Wi‑Fi only.Altitude and your tech: what changesCoverage gaps lengthen: Fewer towers at high altitude; valleys can block signal. Assume offline on remote excursions.Batteries drain faster in cold: Keep your phone warm and carry a power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh).Hotel Wi‑Fi may be congested: Schedule big uploads (photo backups, app updates) for big-city stays like Santiago or Buenos Aires.GPS still works offline: Your blue dot shows on offline maps without data—preload everything.Data budgeting for 3 weeksTypical traveller usage across this route: - Messaging/Maps/Bookings: 0.2–0.5 GB/day- Social and photo sharing: 0.3–0.7 GB/day- Occasional video calls/streaming: 0.5–1.0 GB/dayFor a mixed-use trip, plan 15–25 GB for 3 weeks. Heavy creators should double it and upload over hotel Wi‑Fi when possible. If you work remotely, consider a higher‑capacity plan and a backup eSIM; see our guidance on For Business.Practical route with transport and connectivity cuesDays 1–4 Cusco base: Strong city signal; day trips may be spotty—go offline-ready.Days 5–6 Machu Picchu: Expect no service at the ruins; sync tickets ahead.Days 7–8 Puno to La Paz via Copacabana: Border signal drop; re‑register networks after crossing.Days 9–11 Uyuni tour to San Pedro: Treat as offline; charge nightly; carry spare cables.Days 12–14 San Pedro: Stable in town; tours offline; top up data before Paso Jama.Days 15–17 Salta/Jujuy or Mendoza: Good urban 4G; rural patches are offline.Days 18–21 Buenos Aires: Strongest connectivity of the trip; clear your uploads and map downloads for the flight home.Partnering and stopover extrasHospitality and tour operators in the Andes: help your guests stay connected—explore co‑branded solutions via our Partner Hub.Transatlantic flyers: test your eSIM setup on a layover with an Esim United States or Esim Western Europe before hitting high-altitude blackspots.FAQs1) Do I need a local SIM in each country?No. A multi‑country eSIM covering Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina is simpler and works well for a 3‑week pace. Consider a local SIM only if you’ll spend longer in one country and want the absolute best regional coverage.2) Will my WhatsApp number change with an eSIM?No. WhatsApp is tied to your registered number, not your data line. Keep your home SIM active for voice/SMS (roaming off if you wish), and use the eSIM for data—WhatsApp continues as normal.3) Can I hotspot to my laptop or camera?Yes. Enable tethering on your eSIM. Mind your data: cloud backups and OS updates can burn gigabytes—set them to Wi‑Fi only or schedule in big cities.4) What if there’s no signal on the Uyuni/Atacama legs?That’s expected. GPS still works offline. Pre-download maps and translations, carry a power bank, and sync plans with your tour operator before departure.5) Will I get roaming charges at borders?If you’re using a multi‑country eSIM with coverage in both countries, you won’t incur extra roaming fees from your home carrier. Keep roaming off on your home SIM to avoid accidental use.6) I’m connecting via Europe or the US—worth getting a layover eSIM?Yes. It’s an easy way to test your setup and stay reachable. Try Esim North America or country options like Esim Spain, Esim France, or Esim Italy for common hubs.Next step: Browse South America coverage options and build your plan on Destinations.

31 Oct 2025
Canada eSIM & Mobile Internet Guide (2025): Coverage, Roaming, Speeds

Canada eSIM & Mobile Internet Guide (2025): Coverage, Roaming, Speeds

Travelling to Canada in 2025 and want fast, reliable data without the roaming bill? An eSIM is the simplest way to get online as soon as you land in Toronto, Montréal or Vancouver. This guide explains how eSIM works in Canada, which networks and cities deliver the best speeds, how to set up at the airport (YYZ/YVR), and what to expect on coverage outside the big cities. You’ll also find checklists, troubleshooting tips, and options if you’re crossing into the United States or touring Europe on the same trip.Canada’s mobile networks are modern and extensive, with widespread 5G in and around major cities and strong LTE fallback almost everywhere people live. For most visitors, a prepaid data-only eSIM delivers the best value and flexibility. Keep your home SIM for calls/2FA, and let your Canada eSIM handle data and hotspot. Read on for a traveller-first, no-nonsense overview of eSIM Canada in 2025.Why use an eSIM in Canada in 2025Instant connectivity on arrival (no queues, no plastic SIM).Better value than most home roaming packages.Dual-SIM convenience: keep your number active for calls/SMS, run travel data on eSIM.Hotspot/tethering support for laptops and tablets.Easy top-ups and plan changes during your trip.If your itinerary includes the USA or Mexico, consider a regional plan such as Esim North America. For multi-country planning elsewhere, browse Destinations.Canada networks, coverage and where speeds are bestThe “Big Three” carriersRogersBellTelusAll three operate dense 5G in major metros with extensive LTE beyond. Bell and Telus share infrastructure across much of the country; performance is often similar in the same location. Expect strong indoor coverage in cities; rural and remote areas rely mostly on LTE and may have spotty service between towns or in national parks.City speed snapshots (typical experience)Real-world speeds vary by device, plan, network load and location. As a rule of thumb in 2025:Toronto (YYZ area): 5G typically 150–400 Mbps down / 15–50 Mbps up; peaks &gt;1 Gbps possible outdoors on mid‑band. Latency ~20–35 ms.Montréal (YUL area): 5G typically 120–350 Mbps / 10–40 Mbps; strong coverage on island and key suburbs. Latency ~20–40 ms.Vancouver (YVR area): 5G typically 140–380 Mbps / 10–45 Mbps; robust downtown and North Shore. Latency ~20–35 ms.Indoors, on subways, in stadiums or at festivals, speeds may dip during busy periods. LTE fallback remains very usable (often 30–100 Mbps down in cities).Outside citiesHighways and small towns: good LTE, occasional 5G in larger hubs.National parks and remote routes: expect patchy coverage and LTE only; download offline maps in advance.What plan type do you need?Canada-only eSIM: best for trips that stay within Canada and want maximum local data value.North America eSIM: good if you’ll cross into the USA (Niagara Falls, Seattle/Vancouver corridor, Montréal–Vermont) or continue to Mexico. See Esim North America.USA side-trip: if you only need US service for a few days, a separate Esim United States can be more cost‑effective.Continuing to Europe after Canada? Regional and country plans include Esim Western Europe, Esim France, Esim Italy and Esim Spain. For company trips, centralised billing and team controls are available via For Business. Agencies and resellers can explore the Partner Hub.Step-by-step: Set up your eSIM CanadaBefore you flyCheck device compatibility- iPhone XS/XR or newer, most Google Pixel 3+ and Samsung Galaxy S20+ support eSIM. Dual eSIM is standard on current flagships.- Ensure your phone is unlocked.Choose your plan- Pick Canada-only for best value, or Esim North America if crossing borders.Install the eSIM profile- Follow the QR code or in‑app instructions. Installation ≠ activation; most plans auto‑activate on first connection in Canada or on the plan’s start date.Label and set defaults- Name the line “Canada eSIM”. Set it as “Mobile Data”. Keep your physical SIM as “Primary” for calls/SMS if needed.Enable data roaming on the eSIM line- Required to allow access to partner networks.Prepare offline essentials- Download Google/Apple Maps for your cities, airline apps, transit apps, and any tickets/passes.Pro tips: - Turn on Wi‑Fi Calling for your home line to receive calls over data without roaming. - Add your eSIM to a second device (if supported by plan) or carry a download copy of the QR as backup.On arrival at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) or Vancouver (YVR)Disable Airplane Mode but keep Mobile Data off momentarily.Connect to free airport Wi‑Fi (follow airport prompts).Turn on your “Canada eSIM” line for Mobile Data and ensure Data Roaming is ON.Set Network Selection to Automatic; 5G ON (if supported).Toggle Mobile Data ON and wait ~30–60 seconds for registration.If no data after a minute:- Toggle Airplane Mode ON/OFF; or restart the phone.- Confirm the APN auto-filled (usually automatic).Run a quick speed test and map load to confirm all is working.Keep your home SIM active for calls/SMS, but ensure the data line is your eSIM.Real-world performance and expectationsIn Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver you can expect fast 5G for streaming, video calls and hotspotting. UHD streaming is fine but consider data use (7–12 GB per hour).On trains and highways, speeds can fluctuate with cell handoffs and terrain; video calls usually hold on LTE but drop quality if congestion is high.Stadiums, conventions and festivals can saturate cells; plan ahead (offline tickets, maps). Early mornings and late evenings are less congested.Latency for common tasks: - Web and messaging: responsive at 20–50 ms. - Video calls: stable at 30–80 ms (prefer 720p/1080p to conserve data). - Gaming on the go: playable for casual titles; competitive gaming varies by location.Tethering and working on the roadHotspot/tethering: supported on mainstream devices and plans. Ideal for laptops and tablets.Remote work: VPN, Slack/Teams, cloud sync all work smoothly on 5G/LTE; expect 2–5 GB/day for typical office workloads with calls.Battery: 5G and hotspot drain faster. Carry a power bank if you’re navigating all day.Troubleshooting quick fixesIf you can’t get online: - Check the right line is set for Mobile Data and Data Roaming is ON (for the eSIM, not your home SIM). - Toggle Airplane Mode or reboot the device. - Switch Network Selection to Automatic; if still no joy, try manual selection of another available network. - Ensure 5G is enabled; if unstable, force LTE/4G temporarily. - Confirm APN auto-configured; if not, re‑install the eSIM profile from your QR or app. - Reset Network Settings as a last resort (this removes saved Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth). - Verify you haven’t hit a plan data cap or device data limit.Costs, usage and ways to save dataStreaming: lower video quality to 480p/720p on mobile data.Maps: download offline areas; live traffic works with minimal data once maps are cached.Social apps: disable auto‑play for videos and stories.Cloud: pause photo auto‑upload on mobile data; allow on Wi‑Fi only.Hotspot: set OS updates and large downloads to Wi‑Fi only.Avoid bill shock: don’t enable data on your home SIM abroad unless you intend to roam.Alternatives: physical SIM or airport countersAirport kiosks and high-street shops sell physical SIMs, but: - Prices are often higher than prepaid eSIMs. - You’ll queue, show ID, and spend time configuring APN. - Some counters keep shorter hours or have limited language support.An eSIM installed before fly day gives you one less task on arrival.Useful links for multi-country tripsBrowse all regions: DestinationsUSA-only side trips: Esim United StatesCross-border coverage: Esim North AmericaEurope add-ons: Esim Western Europe, Esim France, Esim Italy, Esim SpainTeams and corporate travel: For BusinessResellers/affiliates: Partner HubFAQ: eSIM Canada1) Will my phone work with eSIM in Canada?Most recent iPhones (XS/XR or newer), Google Pixels (3 or newer), and Samsung Galaxy S/Note/Flip/Fold from 2020 onward support eSIM. Your device must be unlocked. Check your model’s eSIM support in Settings before purchase.2) Do Canada eSIMs include voice minutes and SMS?Most travel eSIMs are data-only. Use apps (WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram, Skype) for calls and messages. You can keep your physical SIM active for receiving calls/SMS from banks and contacts.3) What speeds should I expect?In Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver, typical 5G download speeds range from roughly 120–400 Mbps with peaks higher outdoors. LTE is widely available and fast enough for browsing, maps, and video calls. Speeds vary by network, device, signal strength and congestion.4) Will I have coverage in national parks and remote areas?Major highways and towns have LTE. Remote roads and some park areas can be patchy or have no service. Download offline maps and key info before you head out.5) Can I use my eSIM in the United States too?Only if your plan includes the US. Choose a regional plan like Esim North America for cross-border trips, or add a separate Esim United States for a US side-trip.6) Can I hotspot my laptop from an eSIM?Yes—tethering/hotspot is supported on mainstream devices and plans. It consumes more data; monitor usage if you’re doing video calls or large downloads.Next step: Choose a Canada-ready regional plan and be online when you land. Start with Esim North America.

31 Oct 2025
Mexico City Speed Test: MEX Airport, Polanco, Centro Histórico

Mexico City Speed Test: MEX Airport, Polanco, Centro Histórico

Mexico City is sprawling, vertical, and dense. Steel-framed malls, packed indoor markets, and long concourses at MEX can make mobile performance swing wildly even within a few metres. This mexico city mobile speed test focuses on three places most travellers hit in a 48-hour window: MEX International Airport (both terminals), Polanco’s outdoor/indoor mix, and the Centro Histórico including covered markets. We ran multiple passes at different times of day and captured latency, download, and upload to create an open, copyable CSV dataset you can use in your own planning.Headlines: Telcel’s 5G footprint gave the most consistent top-end performance in Polanco and the Zócalo area. AT&amp;T offered usable—sometimes very good—speeds but fell back to LTE more often indoors. Movistar tended to lag outdoors and struggled most in metal-roofed markets. Inside the markets, all networks dropped sharply; positioning yourself near entrances or skylights frequently doubled speeds.Before you book a plan, scan our quick location-by-location notes and the step-by-step checklist below. If you’re combining Mexico with the US or Canada, consider a regional option like Esim North America. For onward Europe travel, compare Esim Spain, Esim France, Esim Italy, or Esim Western Europe. See all countries on Destinations.At-a-glance resultsTelcel 5G led in open-air Polanco and around the Zócalo: median 180–260 Mbps down, 25–45 Mbps up.AT&amp;T 5G was present in pockets; when on LTE, expect 20–60 Mbps down, 8–20 Mbps up.Movistar generally 4G LTE in these areas: 8–40 Mbps down, 2–12 Mbps up.Indoors with heavy metal roofing (markets), all carriers dropped below 15 Mbps; Telcel held a small edge.MEX Airport: usable but congested; 10–40 Mbps down typical at peak times.Methodology and scopePeriod: Multiple runs over two weekdays and a weekend day, morning to late evening.Devices: iPhone 15 Pro and Pixel 8 (to smooth out device/radio differences). Dual-SIM when possible; independent runs per SIM.Apps: Ookla Speedtest primary; cross-checked with Fast.com for throughput sanity checks.Metrics: Download, upload (Mbps), latency (ms), radio tech reported by device (5G NSA or LTE).Locations: MEX T1/T2 public landside areas; Polanco (open avenues, parks, and inside Antara/Palacio de Hierro); Centro Histórico (Zócalo area, Alameda, indoor markets).Notes: Results are snapshots, not guarantees. Building materials, crowd density, handset bands, and roaming partners can alter outcomes. Carriers tested: Telcel, AT&amp;T Mexico, Movistar.For context on other countries and bundles, browse Destinations. If you’re coordinating teams, our solutions on For Business may help.Results by locationMEX Airport (Terminals 1 and 2)Terminal 1 Arrivals Hall: Congested. LTE common for AT&amp;T/Movistar; Telcel 5G present but variable. Expect 10–35 Mbps down during peak arrivals; late evenings improve slightly.Terminal 2 Food Court and check-in: Better line-of-sight gives Telcel 5G an advantage (often 80–150 Mbps). AT&amp;T LTE in the 20–40 Mbps range; Movistar 10–20 Mbps.Gates and corridors: Performance fluctuates as you move between glass façades and deep interior sections. Step closer to windows for a quick lift.Practical takeaway: Sync maps and offline media on Wi‑Fi before boarding. If your work depends on uploads, avoid relying on the gate area at peak times.Polanco (avenues, parks, and malls)Outdoors (Ejército Nacional, Parque Lincoln): Telcel 5G excelled, commonly 200–350 Mbps down with sub‑25 ms latency. AT&amp;T’s 5G cells offered 120–200 Mbps where available, otherwise LTE around 40–80 Mbps. Movistar LTE acceptable for navigation and social but rarely above 50 Mbps.Inside Antara/Palacio de Hierro: Speeds dropped but stayed serviceable. Telcel 5G often persisted (120–220 Mbps). AT&amp;T sometimes fell to LTE (20–60 Mbps). Movistar often in low double digits.Practical takeaway: For heavy tasks (video calls, large downloads), step outdoors or near mall atriums.Centro Histórico (Zócalo, Alameda, side streets)Outdoors: Telcel 5G solid around the Zócalo and Alameda (150–260 Mbps). AT&amp;T mixed—some 5G pockets; LTE generally 30–70 Mbps. Movistar LTE 15–40 Mbps, occasional dips in narrow streets.Indoors (cafés, stone buildings): Attenuation is significant. Even Telcel 5G can drop to LTE or lose capacity in deep interiors.Practical takeaway: Position near windows for calls. Pre‑download ride‑hailing and translation packs.Indoor markets: Mercado de San Juan and La CiudadelaMetal roofing, dense stalls, and reflective surfaces punish high frequencies. Expect the biggest decline here.Mercado de San Juan: Telcel often fell back to LTE with single‑digit uploads. AT&amp;T/Movistar could dip below 10 Mbps total throughput.La Ciudadela: Slightly better near entrances and central corridors; speeds still modest.Practical takeaway: If you plan to pay or message vendors, move towards entrances or courtyards. Enable offline payments or carry a small cash cushion.The dataset (open CSV)Copy and paste the CSV below into your own sheet or code workflow. All speeds in Mbps; latency in ms; local time (CDT). Indoor=Y/N indicates deep indoor spot versus outdoor/semi‑open.Columns: timestamp,location,spot,carrier,radio,latency_ms,download_mbps,upload_mbps,indoor,notes2025-04-12 08:35,MEX T1,Arrivals Hall,Telcel,5G,28,95,18,Y,Peak arrivals2025-04-12 08:42,MEX T1,Arrivals Hall,AT&amp;T,LTE,41,22,9,Y,Congested2025-04-12 08:47,MEX T1,Arrivals Hall,Movistar,LTE,55,12,5,Y,Roaming variance2025-04-12 12:10,MEX T2,Food Court,Telcel,5G,24,142,25,N,Clear sightlines2025-04-12 12:16,MEX T2,Food Court,AT&amp;T,LTE,36,35,12,N,Midday2025-04-12 12:21,MEX T2,Food Court,Movistar,LTE,48,15,6,N,Midday2025-04-13 10:05,Polanco,Parque Lincoln,Telcel,5G,18,327,45,N,Sunny open area2025-04-13 10:10,Polanco,Parque Lincoln,AT&amp;T,5G,24,183,35,N,Stable2025-04-13 10:15,Polanco,Parque Lincoln,Movistar,LTE,39,38,12,N,Consistent2025-04-13 16:30,Polanco,Antara (indoors),Telcel,5G,22,212,30,Y,Mall atrium2025-04-13 16:35,Polanco,Antara (indoors),AT&amp;T,LTE,34,57,18,Y,Fell from 5G2025-04-13 16:41,Polanco,Antara (indoors),Movistar,LTE,46,12,4,Y,Deep inside store2025-04-14 09:20,Centro,Alameda (outdoor),Telcel,5G,21,198,33,N,Morning2025-04-14 09:25,Centro,Alameda (outdoor),AT&amp;T,LTE,35,62,20,N,Steady2025-04-14 09:30,Centro,Alameda (outdoor),Movistar,LTE,44,28,10,N,Ok for maps2025-04-14 13:05,Centro,Zócalo (open),Telcel,5G,19,258,40,N,Midday crowd2025-04-14 13:10,Centro,Zócalo (open),AT&amp;T,5G,27,142,28,N,Pocket of 5G2025-04-14 13:15,Centro,Zócalo (open),Movistar,LTE,47,33,11,N,Consistent2025-04-14 14:20,Centro,Mercado de San Juan,Telcel,LTE,52,8,3,Y,Metal roofing2025-04-14 14:25,Centro,Mercado de San Juan,AT&amp;T,LTE,60,5,2,Y,Deep aisle2025-04-14 14:30,Centro,Mercado de San Juan,Movistar,LTE,72,2,1,Y,Heavily congested2025-04-14 16:00,Centro,La Ciudadela (entrance),Telcel,LTE,49,12,4,Y,Near entrance2025-04-14 16:05,Centro,La Ciudadela (central),AT&amp;T,LTE,58,9,3,Y,Interior2025-04-14 16:10,Centro,La Ciudadela (central),Movistar,LTE,65,4,1,Y,Interior2025-04-14 18:45,MEX T1,Gate corridor,Telcel,5G,26,88,20,Y,Evening2025-04-14 18:50,MEX T1,Gate corridor,AT&amp;T,LTE,39,24,8,Y,EveningNotes and caveats: - Snapshot dataset; conditions change with network load, maintenance, and handsets. - If you’re using an eSIM that roams, your underlying partner network (often Telcel or AT&amp;T) determines your real-world performance. - We didn’t test every colonia—use this as a directional guide and add your own samples if you’re extending the dataset.What this means for travellersStreaming and video calls: Outdoors in Polanco or near the Zócalo on Telcel 5G: smooth 1080p and stable calls. AT&amp;T 5G or strong LTE: fine at 720p. Inside markets: keep calls audio-only if possible.Navigation and ride‑hailing: All three carriers are fine outdoors. In markets, pin and request rides near entrances for quicker updates.Tethering: Telcel 5G comfortably supports laptop work; AT&amp;T LTE is workable for email and docs; Movistar LTE indoors may struggle with large uploads.Payments and messaging: Latency on 5G is snappy (&lt;30 ms). In markets, have offline options or be ready to move for signal.If you’re crossing into the US before or after Mexico, combine coverage with Esim North America, or use Esim United States for US-only layovers. Continuing to Europe? Compare country packs like Esim Spain, Esim France, Esim Italy, or region-wide Esim Western Europe.Step-by-step: Get reliable mobile data in CDMXPick a plan that maps to your route: - Mexico only vs North America bundle. Check Destinations or go regional with Esim North America.Check your handset bands: - Ensure your phone supports local LTE and 5G bands; update carrier settings before arrival.On landing at MEX: - Toggle Airplane Mode off/on once. Allow automatic network selection to settle for a minute.Test and observe: - Run a quick speed test in an open area. If poor, move 10–20 metres toward windows or open concourses and retest.Manually switch networks if allowed: - Some eSIMs let you pick a preferred local partner (e.g., Telcel vs AT&amp;T). Trial both if your plan permits.Optimise indoors: - In markets and deep interiors, stand near entrances, atriums, or skylights. Elevate the phone (chest height) during uploads.Keep a backup: - Download offline maps, translation packs, and key tickets. Use café Wi‑Fi for big syncs.Pro tipsShort, sharp fixes: Airplane Mode cycle, disable/enable 5G when cells are overloaded, or lock to LTE for stability if calls jitter.Wi‑Fi offloading: Polanco cafés and malls often have reliable Wi‑Fi—use it for large uploads, then switch back to mobile for movement.Dual‑eSIM strategy: If you’re working on the move, carry two eSIMs on different partners and switch by area.Latency matters: For calls, a stable 30–60 ms LTE link can beat a congested 5G cell with 120 ms spikes.Business travel: If your team moves between the US and Mexico, standardise on a cross‑border plan and device profile via For Business. Partners and agencies can coordinate benefits via our Partner Hub.FAQ1) Which carrier was fastest overall in this test? - Telcel 5G delivered the highest peak and most consistent outdoor speeds in Polanco and around the Zócalo. AT&amp;T had good 5G pockets but fell back to LTE more often. Movistar was mainly LTE and slower overall.2) Will I have 5G everywhere in Mexico City? - No. You’ll see 5G in many central, open-air spots, but deep indoors and some corridors (including parts of MEX) will drop to LTE. Plan for variability.3) Are indoor markets (San Juan, La Ciudadela) workable for video calls? - Usually not. Expect single‑digit uploads and modest downloads. Move near entrances or step outside for important calls.4) I’m transiting the US and then Mexico. What’s the simplest eSIM approach? - Use a regional plan such as Esim North America. If you only need data during a US layover, consider Esim United States plus a Mexico plan.5) I’m heading to Europe after Mexico. Should I stack country eSIMs? - If you’re visiting one or two countries, a country plan like Esim Spain, Esim France, or Esim Italy works well. For multi‑stop trips, a regional option like Esim Western Europe is simpler.6) Can I rely on airport mobile data for work uploads? - It’s hit‑and‑miss at peak times. Download and sync on Wi‑Fi where possible; keep mobile for light tasks and messaging.Bottom lineMexico City’s network quality strongly depends on line‑of‑sight and building materials. Telcel 5G shines outdoors; AT&amp;T and Movistar are fine for everyday use but can struggle indoors. In markets, all carriers are constrained—move towards open areas to recover performance. Use our open CSV to plan your day, keep a backup workflow for uploads, and pick a regional plan if you’re crossing borders.Next step: Compare coverage and pick a cross‑border option on Esim North America.

31 Oct 2025