If you are looking for a VPN service to use while you are in Colombia, you’ll want one that has servers located worldwide, offers excellent speed and performance, has robust privacy and security measures, and allows access to geo-blocked content from other countries.
- ExpressVPN: Imagine a top-tier racing car; that’s ExpressVPN in the world of VPNs. It’s super speedy, reliable, and has a vast network spread across 94 countries. So, whether you want to binge-watch your favorite shows on Netflix US or access content from halfway across the globe, ExpressVPN has got your back. Moreover, they have a strict no-logs policy and use rock-solid encryption, which means your private data stays private, just as it should be.
- NordVPN: If VPNs were superheroes, NordVPN would surely have a few special powers. With over 5,000 servers in 59 countries, it’s ready to teleport your internet connection to almost anywhere in the world. NordVPN has two particularly cool features: Double VPN, which routes your connection through two servers for extra security, and CyberSec, which is like a personal bodyguard that blocks ads and protects you from malware. And yes, it’s as cool as it sounds.
- Surfshark: Surfshark is the new kid on the block, but it’s been making waves. It has over 3,200 servers in 65 countries, which means it can get you virtually anywhere on the internet. Plus, Surfshark doesn’t care how many devices you have; it lets you connect all of them at once. So go ahead, secure your laptop, phone, tablet, and anything else you can think of!
- CyberGhost: CyberGhost is your friendly ghost guide to the internet. It has over 7,000 servers in 91 countries, making it a breeze to bypass geoblocks. The apps are easy to use, and it’s great at unlocking streaming platforms. Plus, with its no-logs policy and top-notch encryption, CyberGhost ensures that your internet travels are kept private.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): PIA is like a bustling city with over 35,000 servers in 77 countries. It’s a strong advocate for internet privacy, supports P2P file sharing, and even keeps annoying ads and potential malware at bay.
- IPVanish: IPVanish is kind of like your own personal invisibility cloak. It keeps your online activities away from prying eyes with strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy. It has servers in over 75 locations worldwide, which is great for accessing content from different countries. Plus, you can connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. It’s like having a party, but everyone’s invited!
- VyprVPN: VyprVPN, a Switzerland-based service, is a bit like a Swiss army knife—versatile and reliable. Its proprietary Chameleon protocol can help you access the internet even in countries with heavy restrictions (hello, Great Firewall of China!). It offers high-speed connections, strong encryption, and a no-logs policy.
- Mullvad: With a strong commitment to privacy and anonymity, Mullvad is like that reliable friend who always keeps your secrets. It doesn’t require an email address to sign up—you get an account number instead—and it even accepts cash payments. It maintains a no-logs policy and allows for anonymous torrenting.
- PureVPN: PureVPN offers a vast network of over 6,500 servers in 140+ countries. It’s like a world tour but for your internet connection! It allows P2P sharing and unlocks various streaming services. With its split-tunneling feature, you can decide which traffic goes through the VPN and which doesn’t.
- Astrill: While a bit pricier than others, Astrill is like that fancy coffee you splurge on from time to time—it’s worth it. It’s known for reliable connections, fast speeds, and the ability to bypass tough censorship. It offers strong encryption and various protocols to choose from.
Columbia Internet
Internet access in Colombia has grown substantially over the years, with a significant portion of the population now having access to the internet. According to the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), as of 2020, internet penetration in the country was over 70%.
Colombia has made significant efforts to improve its digital infrastructure. The Live Digital Plan (Plan Vive Digital) implemented by the government aimed to increase internet access throughout the country, particularly in rural and remote areas. The plan involved the installation of thousands of free internet access points in public places like libraries and parks, and the provision of affordable internet plans to households.
In terms of internet service providers, there are several large telecommunications companies that dominate the market, including Claro (America Movil), Movistar (Telefónica), and Tigo (Millicom). They offer a range of services, from broadband to mobile internet.
In major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Barranquilla, you’ll find that high-speed internet is readily available, with options for both DSL and fiber-optic connections. However, in more remote regions, the internet can be slower and less reliable, but efforts are ongoing to improve this situation.
As for internet censorship, Colombia is considered to have a relatively open internet with few restrictions.
Colombia’s internet infrastructure is robust and continuously improving, thanks to the country’s strategic location connecting Central and South America and the Caribbean. It’s served by several submarine cable systems providing high-capacity connections with the rest of the world. Here are some key details about Colombia’s internet backbone:
- Submarine Cables: Colombia has several landing points for international submarine cable systems. Some of these include the ARCOS-1 (Americas Region Caribbean Optical-ring System), the AMX-1 (America Movil Submarine Cable System), and the PCCS (Pacific Caribbean Cable System). The country is also part of the SAm-1 cable (South America-1) that encircles the entire South American continent.
- IXPs: Colombia has several Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), the largest of which is the Bogotá Internet Exchange Point (BOG-IX). These IXPs improve internet speed and reliability within the country by allowing local networks to interconnect directly.
- Satellite and Terrestrial Networks: In addition to submarine cables, Colombia’s internet backbone is also supported by satellite and terrestrial fiber-optic networks. These are particularly important for extending connectivity to more remote and rural parts of the country.
- Internet Service Providers: Colombia’s largest Internet Service Providers (ISPs), including Claro, Movistar, and Tigo, maintain extensive domestic fiber networks that feed into the global internet backbone via the submarine cable systems.
Netflix
Netflix has been available in Colombia since 2011 as part of its expansion into Latin America. Colombian Netflix users have access to a wide array of content, including movies, TV shows, documentaries, and more. The content selection includes Netflix’s original productions as well as licensed content from other providers. However, the specific offerings can vary due to regional licensing agreements.
Netflix has also invested in creating local content from Colombia. The Colombian TV industry has a rich history of producing high-quality shows, and Netflix has been part of this by producing Colombian originals. An example of this is “Distrito Salvaje” (Wild District), a series about a former guerrilla soldier adapting to civilian life, and “Siempre Bruja” (Always a Witch), about a time-traveling witch from the 17th century who ends up in modern-day Cartagena.
It’s important to note that the specific Netflix library you can access is determined by your geographical location. Therefore, if you’re in Colombia, you’ll be able to access the Colombian Netflix library. If you want to access content from a different region (like the US or UK), you would typically need to use a VPN. However, be aware that Netflix has measures in place to prevent the use of VPNs and proxies, and not all VPNs can successfully bypass these restrictions.