Neutral Networks: A Major Player in Telecommunications
Neutral Networks, a prominent wholesale telecommunications services provider, has recently connected Tijuana with the bustling markets of San Diego, San Ysidro, and Los Angeles through a state-of-the-art fiber optic duct. This strategic move aims to bolster the availability of broadband for productive sector enterprises and telecommunications/internet service providers catering to mass consumers.
The Duct’s Impressive Specifications
This newly developed duct, stretching approximately 2.5 kilometers with a depth of nearly 90 centimeters, originates from Neutral Networks’ Tijuana offices and culminates at a data center on the other side of the US border. The project, valued at $1 million, is part of a broader plan by Neutral Networks to invest $35 million by 2025.
Economic Impact and Future Expansion
The significance of this duct extends beyond its cost, length, and depth. It represents a crucial piece of telecommunications infrastructure that enhances Tijuana’s economic development prospects. As businesses from various sectors consider establishing themselves in Tijuana, this new infrastructure offers increased opportunities for growth.
Moreover, the duct alleviates traffic congestion for telecommunications and internet companies by providing an alternative route to data centers. Neutral Networks also boasts 600 kilometers of optical fiber cables, known as metropolitan rings, available for businesses seeking to expand their 4G coverage and initiate 5G services.
Neutral Networks’ Vision and Strategy
Noé Garza, Neutral Networks’ Chief Technology Officer, explained that the Tijuana duct aligns with their ambition to become a nationwide data transport company through neutral networks. The company already possesses another underground passage beneath the Rio Bravo, connecting Laredo, Texas, to Monterrey and eventually Querétaro. This “Next Fiber Network” spans approximately 290 kilometers and cost around $25 million.
The Tijuana duct may eventually extend to Ensenada, Mexicali, and San Luis Río Colorado, enhancing Neutral Networks’ regional reach in the medium term. Garza emphasized Tijuana’s importance to Neutral Networks, highlighting their extensive fiber optic infrastructure in the city and the natural connectivity to the US side, including San Ysidro, San Diego, and Los Angeles.
Neutral Networks’ Business Model
Neutral Networks operates under a neutrality-based business model, offering their infrastructure to national and international operators to complement their coverage and infrastructure projects. Garza stated that this model is the project’s strength for Tijuana, as it provides a wide range of infrastructure to reach end-users.
Neutral Networks’ Position in the Telecommunications Sector
As part of an economic group, Neutral Networks’ sister company, Even Telecom, builds base stations for third-party companies. The holding, to which Neutral Networks belongs, operates 22,000 kilometers of optical fiber cables and 8,500 towers for the telecommunications sector’s disposal.
With over a decade of recognition in the industry, Neutral Networks promotes infrastructure sharing through a neutral model. This approach addresses the growing demand for fiber optic cables to connect mobile base stations and serve users, with most mobile operators being Neutral Networks’ clients.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Neutral Networks, and why is this investment significant? Neutral Networks is a major wholesale telecommunications services provider. The $1 million investment in the Tijuana duct is significant as it connects Tijuana with key markets in the US, enhancing broadband availability for productive sector enterprises and mass consumer telecom/internet service providers.
- What are the duct’s specifications? The duct is approximately 2.5 kilometers long with a depth of nearly 90 centimeters, originating from Neutral Networks’ Tijuana offices and ending at a data center on the US side of the border.
- How does this investment impact Tijuana’s economy? This investment bolsters Tijuana’s economic development prospects by offering increased opportunities for businesses and alleviating traffic congestion for telecommunications companies.
- What is Neutral Networks’ business model? Neutral Networks operates under a neutrality-based model, providing infrastructure to national and international operators to complement their coverage and infrastructure projects.
- What is Neutral Networks’ position in the telecommunications sector? Neutral Networks, part of an economic group, offers wholesale telecommunications services and builds base stations for third-party companies through its sister firm, Even Telecom. The holding operates extensive optical fiber cable networks and towers for the telecommunications sector.
