Panama has emerged as a top destination for digital nomads and remote workers, thanks to its tropical climate, affordable cost of living, strong internet infrastructure, and favorable tax policies. The Panama Digital Nomad Visa (2021) and the Friendly Nations Visa have made it easier than ever for expats to live and work legally in the country.
This 4,000+ word guide covers everything you need to know about remote work infrastructure in Panama in 2026, including:
- Internet speed & reliability (home, coworking, mobile)
- Best coworking spaces (prices, locations, amenities)
- Cafés with strong Wi-Fi (for those who prefer a change of scenery)
- Home internet setup for expats (providers, speeds, costs)
- Mobile data plans (best SIM cards, eSIMs, prices)
- Power reliability (outages, backup solutions)
- Timezone advantages (for US, EU, and global markets)
- Noise levels & productivity culture (quiet vs. lively areas)
- Video call quality (best practices, ISP recommendations)
- Backup internet options (failover solutions, redundancy)
- Digital nomad community (meetups, events, networking)
- Best neighborhoods for remote workers (safety, amenities, vibe)
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear, data-driven roadmap for setting up a highly productive remote work setup in Panama.
1. Internet Speed & Reliability in Panama (2026)
Panama’s internet infrastructure has improved significantly since 2020, with fiber-optic expansion, 5G rollouts, and increased competition among ISPs. However, reliability varies by region—urban areas (Panama City, Boquete, Coronado) have stronger connectivity, while rural zones may experience slower speeds and occasional outages.
1.1 Average Internet Speeds in Panama (2026)
| Metric | Speed (2026) | Comparison (Global Avg.) |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Download Speed | 50 Mbps | ~Global avg. (55 Mbps) |
| Avg. Upload Speed | 20 Mbps | ~Global avg. (25 Mbps) |
| Latency (Ping) | 20-50 ms | Good for video calls |
| Fiber Coverage | ~70% of urban areas | Expanding rapidly |
Key Takeaways:
✅ Panama City has the fastest internet (50-300 Mbps in business districts).
✅ Boquete, Coronado, and Bocas del Toro have decent speeds (20-100 Mbps) but occasional instability.
✅ Rural areas (Santa Catalina, Pedasí, San Blas) struggle with slow speeds (5-20 Mbps) and frequent outages.
✅ Starlink is now available (since 2023) for remote workers in off-grid locations.
1.2 Internet Reliability & Outages
- Panama City & major hubs: 95% uptime (rare outages, usually fixed within hours).
- Tourist towns (Boquete, Bocas, Coronado): 85-90% uptime (occasional drops during storms).
- Rural areas: 70-80% uptime (expect daily brief outages).
Common Causes of Outages:
- Heavy rain & storms (fiber cuts, power surges).
- ISP maintenance (usually scheduled, but not always announced).
- Peak usage times (7-10 PM) can slow speeds.
Solution: Always have a backup internet option (more on this later).
2. Best Coworking Spaces in Panama (2026)
Panama has a growing coworking scene, though fewer options than in Mexico or Colombia. The best spaces are in Panama City, Boquete, and Coronado, with monthly memberships ranging from €50-€150.
2.1 Top Coworking Spaces in Panama City
#### 1. Selina Cowork (Multiple Locations)
📍 Locations:
- Selina Casco Viejo (historic district, vibrant)
- Selina Panama City (financial district, modern)
- Selina Coronado (beachside, relaxed)
💰 Pricing (2026):
- Day Pass: €15
- Weekly Pass: €50
- Monthly Membership: €120
- Private Office (4 people): €400/month
✅ Pros:
- Fast Wi-Fi (100+ Mbps)
- Great for networking (digital nomad community)
- On-site cafés, bars, and events
- 24/7 access in some locations
❌ Cons:
- Can get noisy (especially in Casco Viejo)
- Not the most professional vibe (better for socializing than deep work)
🔗 Website
#### 2. WeWork (Panama City – Ocean Business Plaza)
📍 Location: Ocean Business Plaza, Punta Pacífica (upscale business district)
💰 Pricing (2026):
- Day Pass: €25
- Weekly Pass: €90
- Monthly Hot Desk: €180
- Private Office (2 people): €600/month
✅ Pros:
- Ultra-fast fiber (300+ Mbps)
- Professional environment (great for calls)
- Meeting rooms, printing, mail handling
- 24/7 access
❌ Cons:
- Expensive (not budget-friendly)
- Corporate vibe (less social than Selina)
🔗 Website
#### 3. The Office Panama (San Francisco, Panama City)
📍 Location: San Francisco, Panama City (residential but well-connected)
💰 Pricing (2026):
- Day Pass: €12
- Weekly Pass: €45
- Monthly Membership: €80
- Private Office (3 people): €300/month
✅ Pros:
- Affordable (best value in Panama City)
- Quiet & professional (good for calls)
- Free coffee & snacks
- 100 Mbps fiber
❌ Cons:
- Smaller community (fewer networking events)
- Not 24/7 (closes at 8 PM)
🔗 Website
2.2 Best Coworking Spaces Outside Panama City
#### 1. Boquete Coworking (Boquete, Chiriquí)
📍 Location: Boquete, highland town (cool climate, expat hub)
💰 Pricing (2026):
- Day Pass: €10
- Weekly Pass: €40
- Monthly Membership: €70
- Private Office (2 people): €250/month
✅ Pros:
- Scenic mountain views
- Strong Wi-Fi (50-100 Mbps)
- Quiet & focused (great for deep work)
- Expat-friendly community
❌ Cons:
- Occasional power/internet outages (backup generator available)
- Limited nightlife (if you like socializing)
🔗 Website
#### 2. Coronado Cowork (Coronado, Pacific Coast)
📍 Location: Coronado, beach town (30 min from Panama City)
💰 Pricing (2026):
- Day Pass: €12
- Weekly Pass: €45
- Monthly Membership: €80
- Private Office (4 people): €350/month
✅ Pros:
- Beachside location (great for breaks)
- Reliable fiber (100 Mbps)
- Expat community (many remote workers)
- Outdoor workspace available
❌ Cons:
- Can be noisy (tourist season)
- Limited after-hours access
🔗 Website
#### 3. Bocas Cowork (Bocas del Toro, Caribbean)
📍 Location: Bocas Town, Bocas del Toro (island vibe)
💰 Pricing (2026):
- Day Pass: €10
- Weekly Pass: €40
- Monthly Membership: €70
- Private Office (2 people): €200/month
✅ Pros:
- Tropical island setting
- Good Wi-Fi (50 Mbps, Starlink backup)
- Social & relaxed (great for networking)
- Close to beaches & nightlife
❌ Cons:
- Internet can be unstable (Starlink helps)
- Power outages common (generator available)
🔗 Website
2.3 Coworking Space Comparison Table (2026)
| Coworking Space | Location | Monthly Price (EUR) | Wi-Fi Speed | Best For | Noise Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selina Casco Viejo | Panama City | €120 | 100+ Mbps | Networking, socializing | High |
| WeWork Ocean Plaza | Panama City | €180 | 300+ Mbps | Professionals, calls | Medium |
| The Office Panama | Panama City | €80 | 100 Mbps | Budget, quiet work | Low |
| Boquete Coworking | Boquete | €70 | 50-100 Mbps | Deep work, expats | Low |
| Coronado Cowork | Coronado | €80 | 100 Mbps | Beach lovers, expats | Medium |
| Bocas Cowork | Bocas del Toro | €70 | 50 Mbps (Starlink) | Digital nomads, island life | Medium |
3. Best Cafés with Strong Wi-Fi in Panama (2026)
If you prefer working from cafés, Panama has plenty of great options—especially in Panama City, Boquete, and Coronado. Here are the top picks for fast Wi-Fi, good coffee, and a productive vibe.
3.1 Best Cafés in Panama City
#### 1. Café Unido (Multiple Locations)
📍 Locations:
- Casco Viejo (historic, touristy)
- San Francisco (local favorite)
- Costa del Este (business district)
✅ Why It’s Great for Remote Work:
- Fast Wi-Fi (50-100 Mbps)
- Great coffee & food (healthy options)
- Quiet in the mornings (gets busy after 10 AM)
- Outdoor seating available
❌ Downsides:
- Can get crowded (limited seating)
- Noisy in peak hours
💰 Average Spend: €5-€10 per hour
#### 2. Bajareque Coffee House (Casco Viejo)
📍 Location: Casco Viejo, Panama City (artsy, historic)
✅ Why It’s Great for Remote Work:
- Strong Wi-Fi (80 Mbps)
- Cozy, quiet atmosphere (great for calls)
- Local & international coffee
- Outdoor patio
❌ Downsides:
- Small space (limited seating)
- Touristy area (can be noisy)
💰 Average Spend: €6-€12 per hour
#### 3. Machetazo Café (San Francisco)
📍 Location: San Francisco, Panama City (local hangout)
✅ Why It’s Great for Remote Work:
- Fast Wi-Fi (100 Mbps)
- Spacious & comfortable (good for long sessions)
- Great breakfast & lunch options
- Quiet in the afternoons
❌ Downsides:
- Not 24/7 (closes at 8 PM)
- Can get busy at lunch
💰 Average Spend: €7-€15 per hour
3.2 Best Cafés in Boquete
#### 1. Sugar & Spice (Boquete)
📍 Location: Boquete, Chiriquí (expat favorite)
✅ Why It’s Great for Remote Work:
- Reliable Wi-Fi (50 Mbps)
- Cozy, mountain vibe (fireplace in winter)
- Great pastries & coffee
- Quiet & relaxed
❌ Downsides:
- Small space (limited seating)
- Slow service at peak times
💰 Average Spend: €5-€10 per hour
#### 2. RetroGusto (Boquete)
📍 Location: Boquete, Chiriquí (Italian-owned)
✅ Why It’s Great for Remote Work:
- Strong Wi-Fi (60 Mbps)
- Delicious Italian food & coffee
- Outdoor seating available
- Expat-friendly
❌ Downsides:
- Can get noisy (popular spot)
- Not open late
💰 Average Spend: €8-€15 per hour
3.3 Best Cafés in Coronado
#### 1. Café Coronado (Coronado)
📍 Location: Coronado, Pacific Coast
✅ Why It’s Great for Remote Work:
- Fast Wi-Fi (80 Mbps)
- Beachside location (great for breaks)
- Healthy food options
- Quiet in the mornings
❌ Downsides:
- Gets busy on weekends
- Limited indoor seating
💰 Average Spend: €6-€12 per hour
#### 2. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (Coronado)
📍 Location: Coronado, Pacific Coast
✅ Why It’s Great for Remote Work:
- Reliable Wi-Fi (50 Mbps)
- Familiar chain (consistent quality)
- Spacious & comfortable
- Open late
❌ Downsides:
- Not as local/unique (chain café)
- Can be noisy
💰 Average Spend: €5-€10 per hour
3.4 Best Cafés in Bocas del Toro
#### 1. The Coffee Shop (Bocas Town)
📍 Location: Bocas Town, Bocas del Toro
✅ Why It’s Great for Remote Work:
- Decent Wi-Fi (30-50 Mbps, Starlink backup)
- Great coffee & smoothies
- Relaxed island vibe
- Outdoor seating
❌ Downsides:
- Internet can be slow (Starlink helps)
- Power outages possible
💰 Average Spend: €5-€10 per hour
#### 2. Om Café (Bocas Town)
📍 Location: Bocas Town, Bocas del Toro
✅ Why It’s Great for Remote Work:
- Strong Wi-Fi (50 Mbps)
- Healthy food & vegan options
- Quiet & peaceful
- Yoga & wellness events
❌ Downsides:
- Small space (limited seating)
- Not open late
💰 Average Spend: €7-€12 per hour
3.5 Café Wi-Fi Speed & Reliability Comparison (2026)
| Café | Location | Wi-Fi Speed | Noise Level | Best For | Avg. Spend (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Café Unido | Panama City | 50-100 Mbps | Medium | Quick work, meetings | €5-€10 |
| Bajareque Coffee | Panama City | 80 Mbps | Low | Calls, deep work | €6-€12 |
| Machetazo Café | Panama City | 100 Mbps | Medium | Long sessions | €7-€15 |
| Sugar & Spice | Boquete | 50 Mbps | Low | Quiet work | €5-€10 |
| RetroGusto | Boquete | 60 Mbps | Medium | Expat hangout | €8-€15 |
| Café Coronado | Coronado | 80 Mbps | Medium | Beachside work | €6-€12 |
| The Coffee Shop | Bocas del Toro | 30-50 Mbps | Medium | Island vibe | €5-€10 |
4. Home Internet Setup for Expats in Panama (2026)
If you’re staying long-term, setting up home internet in Panama is affordable and straightforward. Here’s what you need to know.
4.1 Best Internet Providers in Panama (2026)
| Provider | Technology | Max Speed (Download) | Price (EUR/month) | Coverage | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cable & Wireless (CWP) | Fiber | 300 Mbps | €40-€80 | Panama City, Boquete, Coronado | High (best in cities) |
| Tigo | Fiber/Coax | 200 Mbps | €35-€70 | Panama City, David, Santiago | Medium (occasional outages) |
| Digicel | Fiber | 150 Mbps | €30-€60 | Panama City, Bocas, Colón | Medium (good for islands) |
| Claro | Fiber/Coax | 100 Mbps | €25-€50 | Nationwide (but slow in rural areas) | Low (worst reliability) |
| Starlink | Satellite | 100-200 Mbps | €90-€120 | Nationwide (best for rural areas) | High (but expensive) |
4.2 How to Set Up Home Internet in Panama
#### Step 1: Check Coverage in Your Area
- Panama City, Boquete, Coronado: Fiber is widely available (CWP, Tigo, Digicel).
- Bocas del Toro, Pedasí, Santa Catalina: Starlink is the best option (fiber is unreliable).
- Rural areas (San Blas, Darién): Only Starlink works.
🔹 Use these tools to check coverage:
#### Step 2: Choose a Plan & Sign Up
- For expats, CWP (Cable & Wireless) is the best choice (fastest, most reliable).
- Tigo is a good budget option (cheaper but less stable).
- Starlink is ideal for remote areas (but expensive).
Required Documents:
✅ Passport + Visa (or residency card)
✅ Proof of address (rental contract or utility bill)
✅ Local bank account (sometimes required for auto-pay)
Where to Sign Up:
#### Step 3: Installation & Setup
- Fiber/Coax: Technician visit required (usually within 3-7 days).
- Starlink: Self-install (30 min setup).
- Modem/Router: Provided by ISP (or buy your own for better performance).
Pro Tip:
- Ask for a "business plan" if you need static IP (useful for VPNs, servers).
- Negotiate the price (some ISPs offer discounts for long-term contracts).
#### Step 4: Optimize Your Home Network
- Use a mesh Wi-Fi system (e.g., Google Nest, TP-Link Deco) for better coverage.
- Set up a VPN (e.g., NordVPN, ExpressVPN) for secure remote work.
- Enable QoS (Quality of Service) on your router to prioritize video calls.
4.3 Home Internet Costs in Panama (2026)
| Plan Type | Speed (Download) | Price (EUR/month) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (Claro/Tigo) | 20-50 Mbps | €25-€40 | Light browsing, emails |
| Standard (CWP/Tigo) | 50-100 Mbps | €40-€60 | Remote work, video calls |
| Premium (CWP) | 100-300 Mbps | €60-€80 | Heavy usage, streaming, gaming |
| Starlink | 100-200 Mbps | €90-€120 | Rural areas, off-grid living |
5. Mobile Data Plans for Expats in Panama (2026)
Having a local SIM card is essential for backup internet, navigation, and calls. Here’s what you need to know.
5.1 Best Mobile Providers in Panama (2026)
| Provider | Coverage | Max Speed (4G/5G) | Price (EUR/month) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digicel | Nationwide (best in cities) | 50-100 Mbps | €10-€30 | Best overall |
| Tigo | Nationwide (good in rural areas) | 30-80 Mbps | €8-€25 | Budget option |
| Claro | Nationwide (but slow) | 20-50 Mbps | €7-€20 | Cheapest |
| +Móvil (CWP) | Panama City only | 100+ Mbps (5G) | €15-€40 | Fastest in cities |
5.2 Best Prepaid SIM Cards for Expats
| Provider | Data Plan | Price (EUR) | Validity | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digicel | 10GB | €10 | 30 days | Supermarkets, Digicel stores |
| Digicel | 30GB | €20 | 30 days | Supermarkets, Digicel stores |
| Tigo | 8GB | €8 | 30 days | Tigo stores, pharmacies |
| Tigo | 20GB | €15 | 30 days | Tigo stores, pharmacies |
| Claro | 5GB | €7 | 30 days | Claro stores, convenience stores |
| Claro | 15GB | €12 | 30 days | Claro stores, convenience stores |
Best Pick: Digicel 30GB (€20/month) – best coverage & speed.
5.3 How to Buy & Activate a SIM Card in Panama
#### Option 1: Buy at the Airport (Tocumen International)
- Digicel & Tigo kiosks are available 24/7.
- Price: €10-€20 (includes some data).
- Activation: Instant (just insert SIM).
#### Option 2: Buy at a Local Store
- Digicel/Tigo/Claro stores are in malls, supermarkets, and phone shops.
- Bring your passport (required for registration).
#### Option 3: Buy Online (eSIM)
- Airalo (€10 for 1GB, €20 for 5GB) – Website
- Holafly (€30 for unlimited data) – Website
- Nomad (€15 for 3GB) – Website
Best for short stays: Airalo or Holafly eSIM.
5.4 Mobile Data Costs Comparison (2026)
| Data Amount | Digicel (EUR) | Tigo (EUR) | Claro (EUR) | Airalo (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1GB | €5 | €4 | €3 | €10 |
| 5GB | €12 | €10 | €8 | €20 |
| 10GB | €15 | €12 | €10 | €30 |
| 30GB | €20 | €18 | €15 | N/A |
| Unlimited | N/A | N/A | N/A | €30 (Holafly) |
Best Value: Digicel 30GB (€20/month).
6. Power Reliability in Panama (2026)
Panama’s power grid is generally reliable in cities, but outages happen—especially in rural areas and during storms. Here’s what you need to know.
6.1 Power Outage Frequency by Region
| Region | Outages (Per Month) | Avg. Duration | Backup Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panama City | 1-2 | 10-30 min | Optional (UPS for sensitive work) |
| Boquete | 2-4 | 30 min - 2 hrs | Recommended (generator/UPS) |
| Coronado | 1-3 | 15-45 min | Optional (UPS) |
| Bocas del Toro | 3-5 | 1-3 hrs | Essential (generator/solar) |
| Rural Areas | 5+ | 2-6 hrs | Essential (solar/generator) |
6.2 Backup Power Solutions for Remote Workers
| Solution | Cost (EUR) | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) | €50-€200 | Short outages (1-2 hrs) | Instant backup, protects electronics | Limited runtime |
| Portable Power Station (Jackery/EcoFlow) | €300-€1,000 | Medium outages (3-6 hrs) | Rechargeable, portable | Expensive |
| Generator (Gas/Diesel) | €500-€2,000 | Long outages (6+ hrs) | High power output | Noisy, needs fuel |
| Solar + Battery | €1,500-€5,000 | Off-grid living | Sustainable, long-term | High upfront cost |
Best for Most Expats:
- UPS (€100) + Portable Power Station (€500) – Covers 90% of outages.
- Generator (€800) for rural areas (Bocas, Pedasí).
7. Timezone Advantages for Remote Workers in Panama
Panama is in the Eastern Standard Time (EST) zone (UTC-5), which is ideal for working with US, Canada, and Latin American markets. Here’s how it compares:
7.1 Best Time Zones for Remote Work in Panama
| Market | Time Difference | Best Overlap Hours (Panama Time) |
|---|---|---|
| US East Coast (NYC, Miami) | Same time (EST) | 9 AM - 5 PM (perfect overlap) |
| US Central (Chicago, Dallas) | +1 hour | 8 AM - 4 PM (good overlap) |
| US Mountain (Denver, Phoenix) | +2 hours | 7 AM - 3 PM (early start) |
| US West Coast (LA, SF) | +3 hours | 6 AM - 2 PM (very early) |
| Europe (London, Berlin) | -5 hours | 2 PM - 10 PM (late shift) |
| Asia (Tokyo, Singapore) | -13 to -14 hours | 7 PM - 3 AM (night shift) |
| Latin America (Mexico, Colombia, Peru) | Same or -1 hour | 8 AM - 5 PM (great overlap) |
7.2 Best Work Schedules for Different Markets
| Market | Ideal Panama Work Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US East Coast | 9 AM - 5 PM | Perfect sync |
| US West Coast | 6 AM - 2 PM | Early start, but manageable |
| Europe | 2 PM - 10 PM | Late shift (not ideal for early risers) |
| Latin America | 8 AM - 5 PM | Great for regional work |
| Asia | 7 PM - 3 AM | Only for night owls |
Best for:
✅ US-based remote workers (no time difference with East Coast).
✅ Latin American teams (same or similar time zones).
❌ Europe/Asia-based workers (requires late/night shifts).
8. Noise Levels & Productivity Culture in Panama
Panama is a vibrant, social country, but noise levels vary by neighborhood. Here’s what to expect.
8.1 Noise Levels by Area
| Area | Noise Level (1-10) | Best For | Worst For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panama City (Casco Viejo) | 8/10 | Socializing, networking | Deep work, calls |
| Panama City (San Francisco) | 5/10 | Balanced work/life | Light sleepers |
| Panama City (Costa del Este) | 3/10 | Quiet work, families | Nightlife |
| Boquete | 4/10 | Deep work, nature lovers | Socializing |
| Coronado | 6/10 | Beach lovers, expats | Quiet work |
| Bocas del Toro | 7/10 | Digital nomads, party | Focused work |
8.2 Productivity Culture in Panama
✅ Pros:
- Expat-friendly (many remote workers, easy networking).
- Work-life balance (people value leisure time).
- Affordable (low cost of living = less financial stress).
❌ Cons:
- "Mañana culture" (things move slower than in the US/EU).
- Distractions (beaches, parties, social events).
- Bureaucracy (slow government processes).
Tips for Staying Productive:
- Use noise-canceling headphones (e.g., Bose QC45, Sony WH-1000XM5).
- Work early (6-10 AM) to avoid heat & distractions.
- Join a coworking space for structure.
- Set boundaries (Panamanians are friendly but may interrupt).
9. Video Call Quality in Panama (2026)
Panama’s internet is generally good for video calls, but quality depends on your ISP and location.
9.1 Best ISPs for Video Calls
| Provider | Avg. Upload Speed | Latency (Ping) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cable & Wireless (CWP) | 20-50 Mbps | 20-40 ms | Best overall |
| Tigo | 10-30 Mbps | 30-50 ms | Budget option |
| Digicel | 15-40 Mbps | 25-45 ms | Mobile backup |
| Starlink | 10-20 Mbps | 50-100 ms | Rural areas |
Minimum Requirements for Smooth Video Calls:
- Upload speed: 5+ Mbps (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet).
- Latency: <100 ms (lower = better).
- Jitter: <30 ms (consistent connection).
9.2 Tips for Better Video Call Quality
- Use a Wired Connection (Ethernet > Wi-Fi).
- Close Background Apps (Netflix, downloads).
- Upgrade Your Router (e.g., TP-Link Archer AX6000).
- Use a VPN (e.g., NordVPN, ExpressVPN) to avoid ISP throttling.
- Enable QoS on Your Router (prioritize video calls).
- Use a Backup Connection (mobile hotspot or Starlink).
10. Backup Internet Options for Remote Workers
Having a backup internet connection is CRUCIAL in Panama—especially in rural areas or during storms. Here are the best options.
Recommended remote work gear: Portable Monitor | Travel Power Strip | Webcam HD | Ergonomic Travel Mouse
10.1 Best Backup Internet Solutions
| Solution | Cost (EUR) | Speed | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Hotspot (Digicel/Tigo) | €10-€30/month | 10-50 Mbps | Short outages | Cheap, portable | Slow, limited data |
| Starlink | €90-€120/month | 100-200 Mbps | Rural areas | Fast, reliable | Expensive, needs sky view |
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