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The fixed and mobile markets in Mexico have enjoyed constant
growth over the years, surpassing by a factor of at least 2, the
growth of the economy for many of those years.
Fixed lines have reached more than 20 million users, and mobile
communications today have over 56.5 million subscribers.
Telecommunications services are becoming more readily available
due to the increased penetration of fixed lines, lower rates and
an explosive growth in the wireless subscriber base. Cable TV
and wireless industries will be more aggressive and will show
strong innovations in the near future. Technologies such as PLC,
WiMAX, WiFi, and cable will be the tools for increasing
penetration and offering newer services. The industry sees the
coming of more mobility in the country along with smarter
devices.
Fixed lines in Mexico have grown from more than 5 million in
1990 to around 20 million today, compared to a population of 105
million Mexicans and about 24 million homes. In the period
between 1990 and 1995 growth was in the double digits, as was
mandated by the privatization agreement of the national
telephone company. Beginning in 1996 growth decreased to single
digits, but Mexico is still one of the only countries expanding
its fixed line infrastructure.
Growth has been mainly attributed to the dominant telephone
operator, Teléfonos de México (Telmex), which has about 93
percent of the fixed line market. The remaining 7 percent is
shared by another 15 companies. Notable among this group are
Alestra, Maxcom, and the second largest telecommunications
company, Axtel. In February 2007, Axtel purchased Avantel. This
purchase gave the company an extensive installed fiber optic
network. Additionally, it gave Axtel numerous and key government
accounts.
Even though Mexico is still seeing a small rate of growth in
fixed line penetration, the total number of fixed lines is not
expected to reach the 25 million mark set by the ITU. In fact,
it is not...
...Continued
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