A fast download result is only one part of choosing a place to work remotely. Kelly Black, a content professional who has worked remotely from Puerto Escondido for five years, explains why upload speed, interruptions and power backup matter to her work.
This interview has been edited from Kelly’s written answers. Her observations reflect her own experience, not a performance guarantee for a property, neighborhood or internet provider.
1. What should a prospective guest ask about the internet?
First, ask what kind of connection the property has. The options I discuss with hosts include older copper-based Telmex connections, fiber and Starlink. Ask the owner to run a speed test and send a screenshot showing both download and upload speeds.
I edit videos, so uploading large files matters to me. A connection that works for someone mainly making video calls may not meet my needs. I have found fiber useful for uploads and Starlink useful as a second connection, but I would not book on the provider’s name alone.
Editor’s note: A speed test is a snapshot, not a guarantee. Ask for recent tests from the workspace you would use, including during your normal working hours, and confirm what happens when the connection is interrupted.
2. Why does power backup matter as much as internet backup?
Power outages are part of the practical picture in Puerto. If the electricity goes out, the internet equipment also needs a working backup power source.
When considering a coworking or coliving space, ask whether it has fiber and Starlink, whether it switches between them when one fails, and whether it has backup batteries. Do not assume that having two connections means you are covered during a power cut.
Editor’s note: Battery backup does not prevent every kind of internet interruption. Starlink’s own troubleshooting guidance also identifies obstructions, equipment and weather as things to investigate. Confirm which equipment the backup powers and how long it can run.
3. What would you suggest for a short remote-work stay?
Look for a property with Starlink and find out where the nearby coworking spaces are. Casa Losodeli is my favorite coworking option. It has fiber and Starlink, although I am not sure about its battery backup.
Amplitude in La Punta is a coliving option I know with fiber, Starlink and battery backup.
Editor’s note: Confirm the current arrangements, workspace access and availability directly before booking. Amplitude’s website currently advertises fiber, Starlink and solar battery backup; that is the property’s description, not an independent uptime test.
Relationship disclosure: Kelly says Amplitude is owned by two close friends. She works and spends time there but has not stayed as a guest, and receives no referral payment. She stayed at Casa Losodeli when she first moved to Puerto Escondido and still uses its coworking space sometimes; she reports no affiliation with Losodeli.
4. What changes for a longer stay?
If you are staying longer and willing to invest, one option is finding a property where the owner pays for Starlink, then discussing adding fiber and a backup battery system with the landlord.
Get the landlord’s agreement before installing or connecting equipment. For my own work, I want to understand both the connection and the fallback arrangement before committing to a place.
5. Who might need to be more cautious about choosing Puerto?
The internet situation has improved greatly over the five years I have worked here, but it is still not a big city. If your work means you absolutely cannot drop a call, think carefully before committing to a longer stay. I believe remote work here is doable for many people, but the setup needs to match the job.
About Kelly Black
Kelly Black helps founders and business leaders turn a conversation into a month of content in their own voice. She has worked remotely from Puerto Escondido for five years.
Kelly’s work: https://www.kellylaurenblack.com/fractional-head-of-content
Speed test: https://www.speedtest.net/
Amplitude: https://www.amplitude-coliving.com/
Starlink troubleshooting: https://starlink.com/support/article/615d298c-24a7-7e3c-3fd7-9aa96476eac7
About the Author
Ken Gardner develops and curates MexPat Guide from Vancouver, Canada. He focuses on Mexico relocation research and practical comparison questions. This is educational planning information, not a claim of local residence or individual immigration advice.
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