Mexico Opens Consultation on Microwave Spectrum to Expand Rural Internet Access

Mexico City — Mexico’s telecommunications regulator has opened a public consultation on the terms of a future spectrum auction aimed at expanding internet and telephone coverage in hard-to-reach communities.

The proposal would open up radio frequencies for microwave signals, a technology that carries data between distant points over wireless links. Officials say the approach could reduce the need for civil works and cable laying to connect rural villages, mountain towns and other locations where conventional infrastructure is difficult to install.

According to the regulator, the plan is also designed to make it easier for small internet and telephone providers to take part, since the investment required to deploy this type of infrastructure would be lower. The government estimates that implementation costs could fall by as much as 50 percent compared with projects requiring underground civil works.

The frequencies under consideration could also be used to reinforce the transmission routes of established carriers in cities and other high-demand areas, helping ease network congestion and improve response capacity.

A further goal is to broaden competition among telecommunications providers. Bringing smaller operators into the market would give users more options in locations where connectivity choices are currently limited.

Public Consultation Runs Until October 21

The proposal will remain open for public comment from September 24 to October 21. Residents, specialists, academic institutions and companies can submit comments, opinions and suggestions during that period. The contributions will be considered in the process of drafting the bidding rules for the eventual spectrum auction.