Mexico promotes six mega fiber optic and connectivity projects

Mexico is experiencing a historic expansion in telecommunications infrastructure with six mega fiber optic projects led by Neutral Networks, C3ntro Telecom, Fermaca Networks, Telmex , Telxius and América Móvil .

The investment seeks to meet the growing demand for data centers , enhance artificial intelligence applications, and consolidate Mexico as a strategic hub in global digital interconnection .

“Today, we know there are at least six major fiber optic deployment projects in the country. Mexico is uniquely positioned to consolidate its position as a global leader in digital infrastructure and attract data centers that host Artificial Intelligence (AI),” said Noé Garza, CTO of Neutral Networks.

Neutral Networks is building Next, an ultra-low latency network that will span over 1,100 kilometers, connecting Querétaro with Laredo, Texas, in the U.S. The project is designed to minimize latency.

“Our network is scheduled to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2025, allowing us to provide an efficient connection for critical services and operators that rely on real-time data transmission,” Garza added.

In parallel, C3ntro Telecom is developing the Tikva project, a 2,500-kilometer cross-border network that will connect Phoenix, United States, with Querétaro. The infrastructure is designed to support AI applications, offer low latency, and guarantee capacity across multiple pipelines.

Its main objective is to provide high-capacity connectivity to the Mexican Pacific corridor and strengthen nearshoring operations .

Fermaca Networks is advancing a route that runs parallel to the Paso Texas gas lines to offer connectivity in areas near the pipelines, which are currently monitored in real time through private networks with 4G and 5G technology .

This mega fiber optic project also runs through Chihuahua, Aguascalientes, Querétaro, and Guadalajara. The 1,850-kilometer network will incorporate a 192-strand fiber optic cable and strengthen cross-border interconnection .

"This project doesn't yet have an opening date, but what I can say is that it's shaping up to be a key project for consolidating the telecommunications infrastructure in the north of the country and in some states of the Bajío region," added Noé Garza.

Furthermore, fiber optic networks are essential for the installation of data centers , which are estimated to require an investment of around $9 billion over the next four years, according to the Mexican Association of Data Centers (MEXDC) , so the deployment of this infrastructure will continue to be essential to connect all industries operating in the country.

“Data centers are the heart of the modern cloud. For businesses, they represent the critical infrastructure that ensures their information is available, secure, and accessible at all times. Without these facilities, cloud storage would not be able to offer the reliability, speed, and scalability that businesses require today,” said Octavio Camarena, CEO of KIO Mexico.

Carlos Slim's Telmex has already put into operation the TMX5 submarine cable , which connects Baja California Sur with the rest of the country through a 383-kilometer fiber optic network and an investment of more than $25 million.

Internationally, the MANTA system will be the first submarine cable in the Gulf of Mexico with connectivity to the United States, Central America, and Latin America. With an estimated length of 5,600 kilometers and a minimum capacity of 20 terabytes (TB) per fiber pair, MANTA will integrate new landing points in Veracruz and Florida, optimizing traffic flow and offering low-latency routes to the main data centers in Mexico City, Querétaro, Bogotá, and Panama City.

Finally, Telxius , in collaboration with América Móvil, is developing the Tikal submarine cable, which will connect Guatemala with the US and is shaping up to be the highest-capacity infrastructure on the Caribbean route. With an estimated initial capacity of 190 terabits per second, the project will offer high levels of service, reliability, and security, consolidating regional connectivity and strengthening Latin America's digital ecosystem .

"All of these megaprojects reflect not only Mexico's commitment to expanding its telecommunications infrastructure, but also its strategic position in the interconnection of North America and the Caribbean, with land and submarine routes that incorporate low-latency and high-capacity technologies," concluded Noé Garza.