Mexico’s fiber optic connections below average, study shows

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The percentage of fiber-optic broadband connections in Mexico is below the average of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) , a recent study showed.

In the second quarter of 2018 , only 19.42% of Mexico’s fixed broadband accesses were via fiber , compared with the organization’s 24.79% average .

Although Mexico’s fiber-optic connections were below average among OECD members, the country is still way above countries such as France (13.73%), the United States (13.79%), and the United Kingdom (1.52%) .

Two weeks ago, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador decided to suspend the tender procedure for the Backbone Network, which consists of more than 15,534 miles of optic fiber . A new public bid will be held within a month.

The new tendering procedure will include monetary compensations to offer free internet access on roads, schools, hospitals, and other public places.

The OECD’s analysis showed that the geographic locations in which a fiber optic connection has been installed are still limited in Mexico.

“Some cable networks have not been modernized to compete for internet access. Said networks are a result of the consolidation of restricted TV networks,” stated the OECD.

As soon as the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) installs its new dark fiber network, providers will have access to “extremely valuable” network facilities, claimed the OECD.