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List of Mobile Operators in Mexico

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Mexico has a competitive and rapidly evolving telecommunications sector with several major mobile operators providing services to its diverse population. Here, we will discuss the key mobile operators in Mexico, the regulatory framework, and the current state of the industry:

  1. Telcel:
    • Ownership: Telcel is the brand name of América Móvil, one of the largest telecommunications companies in Latin America. América Móvil is owned by Carlos Slim, one of the world's wealthiest individuals.
    • Services: Telcel offers a wide range of mobile services, including prepaid and postpaid plans, 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G data services, international roaming, and value-added services.
    • Market Share: Telcel has traditionally held the largest market share in Mexico, making it one of the dominant players in the Mexican telecommunications market.
  2. Movistar:
    • Ownership: Movistar is the brand name for Telefónica in Mexico, a subsidiary of the Spanish telecommunications company Telefónica. Telefónica is a multinational telecom group with operations in Europe, Latin America, and other regions.
    • Services: Movistar provides mobile voice and data services, including prepaid and postpaid plans, 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G data services, international roaming, and value-added services.
    • Market Share: Movistar is one of the major mobile operators in Mexico, offering competition to Telcel and other providers.
  3. AT&T Mexico (formerly Iusacell and Nextel):
    • Ownership: AT&T Mexico, previously Iusacell and Nextel, is part of AT&T, one of the largest telecommunications companies in the United States.
    • Services: AT&T Mexico offers a variety of mobile services, including voice, data, prepaid and postpaid plans, 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G data services, international roaming, and value-added services.
    • Market Share: AT&T Mexico is a significant player in the Mexican mobile market and has been actively expanding its network and services.
  4. Altán Redes (MVNO):
    • Ownership: Altán Redes is a consortium responsible for building and operating a wholesale 4G and 5G mobile network in Mexico. It is not an MVNO in the traditional sense but rather a network infrastructure provider. Altán Redes operates the shared network under the brand name Red Compartida.
    • Services: Altán Redes provides wholesale network services to mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) and other telecommunications providers in Mexico. These MVNOs, in turn, offer a range of mobile services to consumers.
  5. MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators):
    • Additional MVNOs: Mexico has several MVNOs that lease network access from the major mobile operators (Telcel, Movistar, AT&T Mexico) and offer specialized services or cater to specific customer segments. Some well-known MVNOs in Mexico include Virgin Mobile, Weex, and Unefon.

The telecommunications industry in Mexico is regulated by the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT), which ensures fair competition, consumer protection, and quality of service. The regulatory framework promotes investment in advanced technologies, such as 5G, and the expansion of network infrastructure.

Mexico has witnessed significant advancements in mobile data services, with operators expanding their 4G networks and rolling out 5G technology. These developments are vital for driving digital transformation, supporting economic growth, and enhancing the digital infrastructure of the nation.

Competition among mobile operators and MVNOs has led to improved services, network coverage expansion, and the introduction of cutting-edge technologies. The telecommunications sector plays a pivotal role in connecting people, businesses, and communities, fostering communication, and driving digital innovation in Mexico.