Mexico partners with Viasat to expand internet access in rural areas

Mexico's Telecommunications Investment Promotion Agency (Promtel) and the global communications firm Viasat have joined forces to bolster telecom infrastructure, improve connectivity, and enhance coverage throughout the country. The collaboration, formalized between Promtel and Viasat, aims to bridge the digital divide and bolster Mexico's connectivity infrastructure.

Most internet users in Mexico rely on their cell phones, as indicated by a 2024 survey (Cuartoscuro). The partnership will involve knowledge sharing, technical expertise exchange, resource allocation, development of specialized content, and support for training programs. The ultimate objective is to expedite broadband deployment in under-served communities and provide technical assistance to smaller telecommunications operators.

Héctor Rivero, Viasat's country manager for Mexico, emphasized the importance of merging strengths and expanding connectivity to more regions. Viasat highlighted its commitment to supporting initiatives that bolster infrastructure and generate significant benefits for communities. According to the national statistics agency INEGI, around 24% of Mexico's population lacks internet access.

Achieving nationwide internet coverage would necessitate an investment of approximately 30 billion pesos (US $1.73 billion). The Mexican Federal Telecommunications Institute estimates the same figure. Promtel recently began offering financial aid and technical guidance to numerous smaller telecommunications providers under its National Strategy for Small Operators.

This agreement, set to last until 2030, includes the possibility of renewal. Promtel is a Mexican government agency responsible for expanding nationwide mobile and broadband coverage, with a focus on rural internet access. The Red Compartida program, a major wholesale telecommunications project, is overseen by Promtel and aims to broaden mobile internet and phone coverage, reduce service costs, and enhance market competition.

Viasat, Inc., based in Carlsbad, California, offers high-speed satellite broadband services and secure networking systems for both military and commercial sectors. The collaboration with Viasat complements Promtel's ongoing efforts by providing satellite capacity to small operators, enabling them to supply broadband access to communities, particularly in remote rural areas where commercial coverage is scarce.

This partnership addresses the issue of limited fiber or mobile networks due to geographical constraints or high deployment costs.