Historical Overview and Growth of Internet in Mexico
In 1989, Mexico first connected to the Internet through the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM). Today, over 100 million Mexicans use the internet, representing 83.1% of the population, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi). This growth reflects a profound transformation in the daily life, economy, and education of the country.
Early Beginnings in Academia
The history of the internet in Mexico began in an academic setting. In 1989, ITESM established the first dedicated link to the National Science Foundation (NSF) network through the University of Texas in San Antonio. This marked the beginning of connectivity in Mexico, with other institutions like UNAM and the University of Guadalajara soon joining the network.
Expansion Beyond Universities
In the 1990s, internet access expanded beyond universities. Companies like Telmex began offering dial-up connections, allowing users to connect to the internet through telephone lines. Although speeds were limited, this advancement facilitated internet entry into Mexican homes.
Broadband and Persistent Gaps
With the turn of the millennium, broadband replaced dial-up, offering faster and more stable connection speeds. This enabled greater internet adoption in the country.
According to Inegi’s National Survey on Availability and Use of Information Technologies in Households (ENDUTIH), by 2024, 100.2 million Mexicans use the internet, a significant increase from the 61.4 million registered in 2015 when the survey was first conducted.
Despite the growth in internet adoption, significant gaps remain. In 2024, 86.9% of urban residents use the internet compared to 68.5% in rural areas, reflecting infrastructure and coverage challenges in less developed regions.
Indigenous communities face additional obstacles, such as a lack of technological infrastructure and connectivity services. States like Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Guerrero have the lowest internet access levels, limiting development opportunities in these regions.
Impact on Education and Economy
Transforming Education
Internet access has revolutionized education in Mexico, from the first university links to today’s vast resources. During the Covid-19 pandemic, online education became essential, accelerating digital technology adoption in the educational sector.
Economic Growth through E-commerce
In the economy, e-commerce has seen notable growth. In 2024, 35.8% of internet users in Mexico made online purchases, with personal hygiene and beauty products, home goods, and food and beverages being the most popular items.
However, rural areas have lower e-commerce participation, with only 19.1% of users making online purchases compared to 39.2% in urban areas.
Looking Ahead
Mexico has come a long way in internet adoption, transitioning from limited academic connections to near-ubiquitous presence in daily life. However, achieving inclusive connectivity requires addressing existing gaps and ensuring all Mexicans have access to the opportunities that the internet offers.
