Mexico Telecom Launching Fixed Wireless Service
The adoption of fixed wireless as the future of telecommunications continues, with one of Mexico’s primary mobile operator is set to launch its fixed wireless connection. This connection is meant to serve residential users and it will use the existing 4G network as Telcel is set to compete against telecom giant AT&T who are ahead in terms of download speeds.
Telcel’s motivation
From 2010 to 2017, Telcel experienced a drop in the internet market. Figure sfrom the Federal Institute of Telecommunications show that they dropped from serving an average of 86% to 70% of their customers. AT&T experienced the greatest increase as their market presence increased from 5% to 15% of the market share. In the first quarter of 2018, Telcel added approximately 74 million mobile users indicating that their market presence is once more on the rise.
How does Telcel plan on delivering internet access to residences?
Telcel’s internet service will work in the same way as its competitors such as Telefonica, Televisa, & AT&T. Mexico residents will only need to have a modem complete with a SIM card plugged into an electric current. Initially, the company offers 2 plans, one with 5 Mbps speeds and the other 10 Mbps speeds. The plan available to Mexicans will depend on the technology and traffic in their areas. The plans will cost 225 and 375 pesos per month respectively.
This is way cheaper than AT&T’s residential internet service, for which the users must first purchase a modem that costs 1,200 pesos. This can be paid for in case or in installments. The cost of the service is 200 pesos per month for 5 megabytes, and 350 pesos per month for 10 megabytes.
Telcel’s service site claims that the plans can either be subject to an obligatory period of 12, 18, 24, and 30 months in Mexico City, Hidalgo and Morelos (Region 9) and 24 and 30 months for the rest of the Mexican Republic (Regions 1–8).
According to Jesus Romo who is an analyst at Teconomia, “Telcel, despite promoting a network of more coverage, is having to find ways to compete with the rest of the companies, which are looking to do more with the networks they have, regardless of their coverage and version.”
Radames Camargo, an analyst at The Competitive Intelligence Unit is positive about this service and states that it will complement areas where there is only one option, that is, Telmex. It will also be available in areas with no coverage at all.
Mexico has been lagging behind in connectivity, but the technology is fast evolving and it only makes sense for telecoms to provide internet services to even the rural areas with technology that makes these deployments affordable. In the future, we can only expect the race for internet market dominance to increase and by leveraging fixed wireless solutions like Horizon Communications is deploying, Telcel aims to be at the forefront in internet provision.
Gilbert A Darrell is the Founder of Horizon. He has 18 years experience in information technology and telecom solutions, a veteran in Fire and EMS Services, a crypto enthusiast and a member of the Bermuda Government’s Cryptocurrency Task Force.
Horizon Communications is an upcoming fixed wireless internet and cellular service provider looking to provide services in Bermuda, the Caribbean, and Central America before expanding internationally.
While utilizing 4th generation and soon 5th generation wireless technology, it will also heavily incorporate blockchain and cryptocurrency technology, one of the 1st ISP’s in the world to do so and the 1st to tokenize their services using an Initial Coin Offering (ICO).
More information can be found on their website — www.HorizonComm.co
