Historical Overview and Growth
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, accounting for 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.
The history of the internet in Mexico began within academia. In 1989, ITESM established the first dedicated link to the National Science Foundation (NSF) network through the University of Texas at 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 and Gaps
In the early 2000s, broadband replaced dial-up connections, offering faster and more stable internet speeds. This facilitated greater adoption of the internet in Mexico.
According to Inegi’s National Survey on the Availability and Use of Information and Communication 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 challenges in infrastructure and coverage 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 levels of internet access, limiting development opportunities in these regions.
Education and Economy
Internet access has transformed education in Mexico, from the first university links to today’s widespread availability of information and educational resources.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, online education became essential, accelerating the adoption of digital technologies in the educational sector.
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 frequently bought items.
However, rural areas have lower participation in e-commerce, 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 provided by the network of networks.
