Mexico Partners With Viasat to Connect Rural Communities

Millions of Mexicans living in remote villages and rural towns are about to get connected to the digital world through a groundbreaking satellite internet partnership.

Mexico's Telecommunications Investment Promotion Agency (Promtel) has joined forces with global satellite provider Viasat to expand internet access across the country's hardest-to-reach communities. The agreement, running through 2030, focuses on closing the digital divide for the 24% of Mexicans who currently lack internet access.

The partnership takes a smart approach by supporting smaller telecommunications operators with satellite capacity, technical expertise, and infrastructure resources. These local providers can then deliver broadband to rural communities where traditional fiber optic or mobile networks would be too expensive or difficult to install.

"This agreement represents an opportunity to combine strengths and expand connectivity to more regions of Mexico," said Héctor Rivero, Viasat's country manager. The collaboration brings together government resources and private sector innovation to tackle a massive challenge.

Getting every Mexican online would require about $1.73 billion in investment, according to Mexico's Federal Telecommunications Institute. By using satellite technology, this partnership sidesteps the geographic and cost barriers that have kept rural areas offline for years.

The Ripple Effect

Internet access opens doors that transform entire communities. Students gain access to online education resources. Small business owners can reach new customers and markets. Families can connect with relatives working in cities or abroad through video calls.

The partnership complements Promtel's National Strategy for Small Operators, which already supports hundreds of local telecommunications providers through financing and technical assistance. Now those small operators have satellite capacity to extend their reach even further.

This collaboration shows what's possible when public and private sectors work together toward a shared goal. Viasat brings cutting-edge satellite technology and global expertise, while Promtel provides local knowledge and connections to communities that need help most.

Mexico's connectivity gap is closing one village at a time, bringing opportunity to places that have waited too long to join the digital age.