Yucatán Leads Mexico in Internet Use at 86%

Yucatán, Mexico — Yucatán has solidified its position as one of Mexico’s leading states in technological adoption, according to the 2024 National Survey on the Availability and Use of Information Technologies in Households (Endutih) published by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi). The survey reveals that 86% of Yucatán’s population aged six and older—approximately 1.87 million people—uses the internet, surpassing the national average of 83.1%.

Digital Households and Smart Devices on the Rise

A key indicator of Yucatán’s technological progress is the prevalence of smart devices in homes. The survey found that 31% of households in the state own at least one internet-connected smart device—such as virtual assistants, surveillance cameras, or digital entertainment systems—exceeding the national average by five percentage points (26%). This shift reflects a gradual transition toward digital homes and greater technological familiarity among residents.

Additionally, 73.9% of Yucatán’s households have internet access, a figure higher than the national rate. This infrastructure growth has been critical in expanding online education, remote work, and digital service management.

Mobile Phones Dominate, While Computers Lag

Mobile phones remain the most widely used device in Yucatán, with 81.8% of the population—around 1.77 million people—owning one, slightly above the national average (81.7%). In contrast, computer access remains limited, with only 38.2% of the population owning one, marginally higher than the national rate of 36.6%. This gap could pose challenges for activities requiring more advanced technical skills.

Smart TVs have gained traction, with 43.6% of users accessing the internet through them, driven by streaming platforms and multimedia services. Meanwhile, traditional computer usage has declined to just 35.9% of internet users.

Urban-Rural Divide Persists

Despite these advancements, disparities persist, particularly in rural areas. While internet access is nearly universal in Mérida and urban zones, remote communities face infrastructure deficiencies, intermittent coverage, and limited device availability. These challenges hinder full participation in the digital economy for many families.

Yucatán’s dispersed population and high proportion of rural communities contrast with neighboring Quintana Roo, where 90.7% of residents are connected—a rate surpassed only by Sonora (91.3%) and Baja California Sur (90.4%). Nationally, the urban-rural gap remains stark: 86.9% of urban Mexicans use the internet compared to 68.5% in rural areas.

Cultural Shift Toward Digital Tools

The survey highlights a cultural shift, with internet use becoming integral to daily life in Yucatán. The most common online activities include instant messaging (93.0%), social media (90.4%), and streaming music or video (89.0%). Smartphones are the preferred access method, used by 97.2% of internet users.

However, challenges remain in digital financial services and e-commerce adoption, limiting financial inclusion and digital business growth, especially in rural areas. The lack of computers in many households also restricts access to remote education and employment opportunities.

Calls for Inclusive Digital Policies

Experts and authorities emphasize the need for stronger digital inclusion programs, particularly those providing technology to schools and training for educators and students. While Yucatán has made significant strides in connectivity, ensuring equitable access across urban and rural areas remains critical to preventing further inequality.

The state’s technological transformation is underway, but its success hinges on bridging existing gaps and ensuring no one is left behind in the digital era. As the data shows, progress is evident—but structural disparities in Mexico’s southeastern region persist as a challenge to overcome.