Introduction
The National Survey on Availability and Use of Information Technologies in Households (ENDUTIH) 2024, conducted by Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), reveals significant progress in internet accessibility in Mexico. However, it also highlights persistent gaps that require immediate attention.
Internet Adoption and Growth
As of 2024, Mexico has reached an internet user base of 100.2 million people, representing 83.1% of the population aged six or more, with an annual growth rate of 3.3%. This growth has been consistent across all demographic segments, with notable increases in rural areas (68.5%, +2.5 percentage points compared to 2023) and among adults aged 65 or older (42.1%).
Household Connectivity and Device Ownership
At the household level, 28.8 million homes have internet access, accounting for 73.6% of the total or 1.3 times more than in 2015. This indicates the importance of connectivity within the domestic environment.
However, a significant disparity remains in computer ownership, with only 43.9% of households possessing at least one device. This disparity is particularly concerning given that internet access alone does not guarantee digital inclusion; adequate conditions for learning, working, and interacting with digital tools are essential.
Smart TVs and Mobile Devices
Another key finding of the ENDUTIH 2024 is the rise in smart TV availability as an internet access medium, reaching 43.6% among internet users—almost double the level five years ago. This trend underscores smart TVs’ role not only as entertainment platforms but also as tools for accessing digital services and educational content.
Despite this, mobile phones remain the primary access point, used by 97.2% of connected individuals. This increasingly mobile digitalization presents new opportunities but also challenges in terms of cybersecurity, digital ergonomics, and technological literacy.
Internet Usage Patterns
The ENDUTIH 2024 also sheds light on internet usage patterns. The primary activities include instant messaging (93.0%), accessing social networks (90.4%), and entertainment (89.0%). More advanced uses, such as online banking (30.3%), government interaction (33.0%), or purchasing products/services (35.8%), have yet to achieve widespread adoption, particularly in rural areas where the gap exceeds 10 percentage points compared to urban areas.
Digital Divide: Causes and Path Forward
The survey identifies reasons for the 10.3 million households still lacking connectivity: insufficient economic resources (55.3%), lack of interest/need (24.9%), limited digital skills (9.4%), and lack of infrastructure (4.8%).
These barriers, though not new, persist, indicating that efforts should focus on addressing these challenges to fully close the digital divide.
A comprehensive national digital inclusion strategy is urgently needed, combining infrastructure development (fiber optic, satellite, community networks), targeted subsidies for vulnerable households, and digital literacy programs, especially for older adults and rural areas.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current state of internet connectivity in Mexico? According to the ENDUTIH 2024, Mexico has made significant strides in internet accessibility, with 83.1% of the population aged six or more using the internet. However, there are still notable disparities, particularly in rural areas and among older adults.
- What are the primary reasons for the digital divide in Mexico? The main barriers to internet access are insufficient economic resources, lack of interest or need, limited digital skills, and inadequate infrastructure.
- How can Mexico address the digital divide? A comprehensive national strategy focusing on infrastructure development, targeted subsidies for vulnerable households, and digital literacy programs is essential.
