Fixed broadband: Mexico in the OECD

Connectivity is consolidated as one of the fundamental catalysts for the growth of countries around the world. Over the past few years, Mexico has made significant progress in the availability, uptake, quality and affordability of fixed broadband. However, it is important to measure technological and digital development against the main world economies, members of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

In Mexico, Internet penetration levels among the population have increased rapidly over the past five years. Between 2017 and 2021, the number of BAF accesses increased by 48.8%, reaching 24.1 million in 2021.

According to information compiled and published by the OECD in June 2021, Mexico and Colombia are the countries with the lowest number of subscriptions in this league of countries, with 18.2 and 16.6 per 100 inhabitants respectively. This positions them well below the average, which stands at 33.8 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants. On the other hand, developed countries such as: Switzerland (47.4), France (45.9), Norway (44.9), Denmark (44.6), Germany (43.9) and South Korea (43.7), are at levels above the reference average.

However, between 2013 and 2021, some countries stand out for their recorded increases in the number of BAF subscriptions. In this regard, Costa Rica (93%), Turkey (89%), Mexico (73%) and Colombia (69%) are developing economies and with lower initial levels in terms of Internet access compared to the rest of the countries.

The download speed measured in megabits per second (Mbps) of BAF subscriptions in each country represents a rough measure of the quality of the Internet and its use and generation of benefits for the economy of each country.

Under this indicator, the differences between countries become abysmal. While in South Korea 91.6% of BAF subscriptions exceed the speed of 100 Mbps, in Mexico this proportion is only 8.1%.

The best indicator to measure internet quality is the average download speed in each country. In this comparison, Mexico ranks 33rd out of 35 in average download speed with 44 Mbps, well below the OECD level of 119 Mbps.

Switzerland is the country with the best connectivity in the world with an average download speed of 189 Mbps, followed by Denmark (185), Hungary (183), France (179), the United States (174), from South Korea (171). ), Spain (169) and Sweden (164).

Although Mexico has made significant advances in connectivity compared to the comparison of OECD countries, there is still a long way to go in terms of service availability and accessibility, access to connections optical fiber and the quality of fixed broadband service. These circumstances can be improved through the implementation of competitive public, regulatory and economic policies that stimulate coverage, especially in the most remote localities, as well as the provision of service with better technology and speed. higher connection.

BY GONZALO ROJON
COLLABORATER
[email protected]
@GROJONG

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