Cell Coverage Expands in Quintana Roo’s ‘Zone of Silence’ Along Major Highway

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — The so-called “zone of silence” along the federal highway between Felipe Carrillo Puerto and Tulum is shrinking, as authorities expand mobile phone coverage on one of the state’s most isolated and dangerous roadways.

Nearly 60% of the route now has cell signal, reducing the area without coverage by about 40%, according to Javier Abraham Ayuso Sánchez, director general of Quintana Roo’s Digital Transformation Agency.

Ayuso said coordination with telecom companies has driven progress, particularly the activation of a tower known as “El Faisán.” Unlike previous infrastructure that only provided wireless internet, the tower now offers mobile phone service, creating continuous stretches of 15 to 20 kilometers with stable signal.

Coverage is also “moderately good” from the Chumpón junction to the vicinity of Tulum International Airport, Ayuso added.

However, two segments — approximately 10 and 15 kilometers long — still lack reliable signal. The state government aims to achieve full coverage on the corridor, which is critical for the safety of thousands of daily travelers.

The next step involves activating a second tower called “La Selva,” located before the Tulum airport. Ayuso noted that extending power lines to the site is costly for telecom companies. The state government is in talks with various entities to push infrastructure deployment, and solar panels are being considered as an alternative power source, though vandalism and theft remain concerns.

The expansion marks a significant improvement in both digital connectivity and road safety, as long stretches of the highway were previously completely cut off, hampering emergency response and assistance for motorists, truckers, and tourists.