Latest Fiber Optic Deregulation Means More Access

MEXICO CITY, July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On the heels of the United Nations declaring Internet access as a basic human right, latest reforms taken on by the Calderon administration to deregulate optic fiber are expected to offer Mexicans increased availability and access to communications in the 21st century.

Investment in developing and launching the new network is estimated to be $110 million. According to Pyramid Research, the telecomm research arm of Light Reading Communications Network, the Mexican optic fiber market is expected to grow 10 times by 2015 and will be worth $3.6 billion.

By 2012, half of Mexico's households will have access to services provided by cable companies due to the latest initiative to deregulate optic fiber, according to President Felipe Calderon.  The announcement was made during the 2011 Expo of the National Chamber of the Cable Telecommunications Industry (CANITEC), held in May.

"According to the results of a census we conducted throughout the year, nearly 40 percent of Mexican homes have access to cable television. This figure will most likely increase by next year. I can assure you that by 2012, more than half of households in Mexico will have access to the plethora of services cable companies offer," said President Calderon.

New optic fiber offerings, including broadband internet, television, home and wireless phone, will begin in August 2011.  It is anticipated that this operation will benefit 10 million users in Mexico.

The deregulation measure is part of a series of consumer-centered initiatives led by the Calderon administration to ensure fair competition, improve service and increase network growth in the industry.  Currently, telecommunications services in many Mexican cities, like services in many countries around the world, have traffic and coverage problems, resulting in dropped calls or an inability to text message, while Internet and cable television services can suffer service outages. These new offerings should significantly enhance the reliability of the telecommunications services across the country.

Increased Internet access will be available beyond the home and in classrooms to benefit schools in Mexico. "We are currently working with the Communications and Transportations Secretariat (SCT), as well as with state governments to ensure the connectivity of schools around the country.  We will also offer computer classes to students in every single school," President Calderon added.

SOURCE Ministry of the Economy of Mexico

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