Mexico Internet Use Hits 86%, Rural Gap Shrinks by Half

Mexico just crossed a digital milestone that shows technology can unite rather than divide.

In 2025, 86% of Mexicans aged six and older used the internet, bringing 104.9 million people online. That's nearly 30 percentage points higher than a decade ago, according to Mexico's national statistics agency INEGI.

The real story isn't just the growth. It's where that growth happened.

Rural Mexico saw internet use skyrocket from 51% to 75% between 2020 and 2025. Urban areas grew too, from 78% to 89%, but that rural surge cut the digital divide from 27 percentage points down to just 14.

The numbers reveal a country rapidly connecting its most isolated communities. In 2015, only 3% of Mexicans over 75 used the internet; by 2025, that number hit 30%.

Young people lead the way, with nearly 98% of 15 to 24 year olds online. But the growth spans all ages, including 85% of children between six and 14.

The smartphone revolution deserves much of the credit. More than 103 million Mexicans now use cell phones, with 97% owning smartphones that serve as pocket computers, navigation tools, and connection to family.

Computer ownership in homes actually dipped slightly over the past decade, from 45% to 44.7%. That's not a loss but a transformation, as smartphones do what many households once needed desktops or laptops to accomplish.

Regional differences still exist. Nuevo León leads with 94% internet usage, while Chiapas lags at 71%. But every state is moving forward, with seven entities now above 90%.

The Ripple Effect

When rural communities get connected, opportunities multiply. Farmers access weather data and market prices. Students watch educational videos. Small business owners reach new customers. Families separated by distance share moments instantly through video calls.

The previous federal government's Social Coverage Program helped drive rural expansion, proving that intentional investment in underserved areas pays off. As internet access becomes less of a privilege and more of a shared resource, millions of Mexicans gain tools to learn, earn, and stay connected to loved ones.

Mexico's digital transformation shows that the gap between connected and disconnected doesn't have to keep growing. Sometimes it shrinks, and when it does, entire communities rise together.