Mexico’s digital infrastructure is growing rapidly, yet users are not seeing a corresponding jump in internet speeds. New data from the 2025 State Digital Development Index (IDDE) shows that while fiber optic adoption has surged, the country remains stuck in the lower half of global speed rankings.
Broadband subscriptions have climbed significantly, moving from 56 per 100 inhabitants in 2021 to 68 in 2025. This 21.4% increase reflects an aggressive expansion by telecommunications operators since the onset of the pandemic. Fiber optic technology now represents 67% of all fixed broadband connections across the country.
A persistent geographic divide
Despite this infrastructure rollout, progress is not uniform. The IDDE 2025 report highlights a stark digital divide where states like Mexico City, Querétaro, and Nuevo León lead the nation. In contrast, other states trail behind, with a development gap of up to 3.5 times between the most and least connected regions.
Even where fiber is available, performance metrics remain mediocre. According to a report by Expansión, Mexico ranks 89th globally for fixed broadband speed and 72nd for mobile. The average download speed for fixed connections sits at 72 Mbps, while mobile users average 52 Mbps.
These figures pale in comparison to regional neighbors. Chile currently reports fixed broadband speeds of 347 Mbps, and Brazil averages 239 Mbps on mobile networks. Experts suggest that the issue lies in implementation, regulatory hurdles, and a lack of market competition rather than a shortage of fiber cables.
Adoption and utilization rates also present a hurdle for the country’s digital maturity. While 80% of Mexico’s population uses the internet, effective integration into professional and public services remains low. The IDDE 2025 notes that only 28% of micro-enterprises maintain an internet connection, and just 17% of these businesses utilize electronic banking services.
Digital development remains essential for Mexico’s economic competitiveness and global integration. The IDDE underscores that simply laying cable is insufficient if the infrastructure fails to translate into accessible, high-speed connectivity for both citizens and the business sector.
