Connectivity test · San Miguel de Allende
Mobile coverage test in San Miguel de Allende: AT&T vs Telcel
We compared the Hotel Real de Minas Wi-Fi and the mobile performance of AT&T and Telcel during Holy Week to find out which network offered better coverage and speed in different areas of San Miguel de Allende.
Hotel Wi-Fi: Real de Minas
For this test , we stayed at Hotel Real de Minas , where we found Wi-Fi that was more than sufficient for practically any need. The network uses Totalplay as its provider and , in general , offers average bandwidth of 200 Mbps symmetrical—enough for video calls , remote work , streaming , and intensive app use.
We performed the first test at the front desk , where the network may feel slightly more congested , which is normal given the number of connected guests and constant foot traffic.
We then moved to the rooms area , where we found greater bandwidth and a more stable experience. We noticed something interesting: the different access points appear to be distributed in every other room , so if you are lucky , your room will have one nearby. That was not the case for us , but even without being right next to an access point , the experience was still positive.
We also ran tests during our stay at the hotel pool area , where there is an access point aimed toward that area. In terms of Wi-Fi , this means you should not have trouble: coverage is good and performance remains stable even outdoors.
The mobile test: Supr vs AT&T
For the mobile network , we used two options:
- eSIM Supr , an MVNO that connects to the Telcel LTE
- AT&T prepaid eSIM
In both cases , we used virtual SIMs and both options include unlimited calls and social media. The purchase process is 100% online and activating a line requires verifying your identity with your passport or official ID.
We conducted the first round of speed tests at the the front desk del hotel where we found a clear initial difference: AT&T performed better than Telcel LTE at that specific location.
Later , during our stay at the hotel pool area , we repeated some tests and saw a similar result: in terms of mobile connectivity , AT&T once again performed better than Supr (Telcel).
AT&T's public Wi-Fi network in the city
An important detail is that an AT&T public Wi-Fi network exists at various points around San Miguel de Allende. In theory , this might seem like an additional benefit for visitors looking to connect without using mobile data.
However , in practice , most of these access points have been unusable for years , so you should not count on this network as a real connectivity option during your visit. In our tests and trips around the city , it was not a functional alternative.
City coverage: an advantage for AT&T
As we moved around the city , we began to notice a clear pattern. AT&T offers more consistent LTE coverage around San Miguel de Allende and much of this seems to be due to the use of microcells , meaning small antennas installed and camouflaged in strategic locations.
This gives it a practical advantage: signal appears more consistently across different streets and areas of the city , making the overall experience feel more uniform.
By contrast , Telcel appears to rely more on traditional antennas , so coverage feels more uneven depending on the area. There are places where it performs very well and others where it cannot maintain the same level of presence.
Parish and Main Garden: Telcel wins here
When we went directly to the Parish and Main Garden , the story changed completely.
In that area , Telcel clearly had the advantage , with considerably higher bandwidth than AT&T. The difference was clear in speed and responsiveness.
We later repeated tests at a restaurant near the parish, and the result remained the same: Telcel continued to win, even while operating only on LTE.
So , which one is better?
The conclusion for this particular case in San Miguel de Allende is quite interesting:
Telcel has less penetration and less uniform coverage in the city, but when coverage is available, its bandwidth is usually clearly higher.
AT&T, on the other hand, stands out for better overall LTE coverage and a more consistent experience while moving around the city, although with a more congested network and speeds that, in our experience, did not exceed 50 Mbps. If that is not an issue for your needs, AT&T is a perfectly valid option.
In other words: if your priority is having signal in more parts of the city and a more consistent experience, AT&T deserves serious consideration. If you prefer higher speeds at key locations, especially in central and tourist areas such as the parish and its surroundings, Telcel remains very strong, even without 5G in this case.
The eSIMs we used
For this test, we used:
Both include unlimited calls and social media and are purchased 100% online and are a convenient way to arrive ready or activate a line without dealing with physical SIM cards.
If you would like to try either option, use code TLFNMXN10 to receive a small discount at checkout.
If you are planning to visit this beautiful city, enjoy your vacation: San Miguel de Allende remains one of those destinations where staying connected is always worthwhile.
Note: The performance and speed observations in this post are based on tests conducted during our visit and may vary depending on the season, network congestion, exact location, device used, and network conditions.
Test conclusions
Which network had better overall coverage?
In our experience, AT&T offered more consistent LTE coverage around the city, while Telcel performed better in specific areas of the historic center.
Which network was faster near the Parish?
In the Parish and Main Garden area, Telcel showed higher bandwidth than AT&T, even while using LTE.
Are the results the same for every traveler?
Not necessarily. Performance may change depending on the exact location, device, season, congestion, and conditions of each network.
