- Sheinbaum Connectivity Plan: Internet for All with the CFE infrastructure
- Claudia Sheinbaum and her CFE Internet for All Plan
Claudia Sheinbaum, virtual president-elect, has proposed bringing the internet to the most remote regions of Mexico during her term.
This plan aims to replicate the success she had in Mexico City, where she managed to make the capital the most connected city in the world.
In 2021, Mexico City obtained a Guinness record thanks to the installation of more than 21,500 free and public internet access points, according to the Digital Agency for Public Innovation (ADIP).
José Merino, then head of the ADIP and now director of the Digital Transformation Agency, explained that this project began in 2019, when there were only around 100 access points.
These access points in Mexico City provide free WiFi in public places such as squares, libraries and on the public transportation network, including the Metro (subway), Metrobús, Trolleybús and some RTP routes.
Now, Sheinbaum seeks to extend this coverage to hard-to-reach areas throughout the country, using the infrastructure of the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE).
CFE Internet: Packages and Coverage
The CFE has been implementing internet packages in public spaces in Mexico City and other regions since 2021.
By 2024, 82,818 free WiFi points have been installed throughout the country, with 90% of these located in schools, government buildings, rural medical units and Liconsa and Diconsa points of sale.
The remaining 10% is found in libraries, wellness centers, health centers, Telecomm and Banco del Bienestar branches, among others.
The main objective of the CFE is to provide internet access in the most vulnerable areas, thus guaranteeing the human right to telecommunications and reducing the digital divide.
Its website details that the CFE has 98,143 free internet points nationwide, installed in parks, hospitals and schools for community use.
In addition to WiFi coverage, the CFE now offers mobile phone plans with online and electronic transfer payment options.
The packages include an initial plan of 30 pesos with 4 GB, 250 minutes and 125 text messages valid for three days.
Prices vary up to 300 pesos, which offers 40 GB, 1,500 minutes and 1,000 text messages valid for 30 days. There are also semi-annual and annual plans.
Claudia Sheinbaum and her CFE Internet for All Plan
Claudia Sheinbaum’s connectivity plan includes expanding the coverage of mobile services to reach areas currently without access.
This project will focus on the National Data Transport, Aggregation and Access Network, as detailed in the document ‘100 steps for Transformation’.
Among the planned actions are the lighting of more than 16,000 kilometers of fiber optics, the installation of antennas and cell sites, as well as the rental of links to third parties.
Sheinbaum Connectivity Proposals
Sheinbaum’s specific proposals are:
- Consolidate a National Telecommunications Network to provide mobile coverage to the population.
- Expand the capacity for installation, operation and exploitation of public telecommunications networks and satellite stations.
- Integrate all available telecommunications infrastructure, including satellite and spectral resources currently owned by the CFE.
- Ensure the long-term sustainability of the telecommunications network project.
- Achieve mobile coverage by 2030 in locations without access to the internet, mobile telephony or superior satellite.
- Install access points in public educational, health, mobility and community spaces.
With these initiatives, Sheinbaum seeks not only to connect the entire country, but also to ensure that all Mexicans have access to the information and opportunities offered by the digital world.
R. Claudia Sheinbaum and her CFE Internet for All Plan