ICT

Mexico’s telecoms sector is the second largest in Latin America after Brazil in terms of subscriber numbers, contributing approximately 2.4% to GDP in the third quarter of 2017. Penetration of products and services, such as mobile phones, broadband internet and pay-TV, are also on the rise, having ranked well below the global average until 2015. The rollout of a 5G network demonstrates Mexico’s expanding wireless and mobile data market, though it may take some time before 5G can be effectively monetised in a segment with little room for new subscriber growth. Furthermore, Mexico’s IT services and software sector reported a compound annual growth rate of 12% between 2010 and 2016, with its market value estimated at $11.3bn in 2016. In addition, Mexico placed 13th out of 65 countries in terms of the best locations to provide IT, business process outsourcing and call centre services. The uncertainty surrounding a new North America Free Trade Agreement deal and the slowdown of investment in certain sectors is unlikely to have a significant impact on IT and telecoms; however, the outcome of the elections may lead to uncertainty until Obrador’s new administration’s investment plans are unveiled. This chapter features an interview with Sergio Rosengaus, CEO, KIO Networks.