Mexico is actively seeking to decrease its dependence on Chinese technology within its telecommunications sector to bolster national sovereignty and data security, according to the Ministry of Economy.
Diego Flores, head of the Electronic and Digital Industry sector at the Ministry of Economy, stated that the shift aims to ensure information circulates through secure and encrypted mechanisms. He noted that the government is prioritizing control over critical infrastructure.
“At present, companies from the West or linked to the North American region can assist us in new infrastructure segments,” Flores told Expansión. He added that the move toward North American suppliers is a “natural transition” given Mexico's position in global supply chains.
The current landscape
Currently, a significant portion of Mexico's 4G infrastructure relies on Asian technology. Data from BNamericas indicates that approximately 54% of the country's 4G network was built using technology from firms like Huawei.
This footprint is prominent in the Altán network, which supports major Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) like Bait. Huawei components form the backbone of this network, managing high-speed data transport and interconnecting smaller networks.
The Chinese presence extends to Radio Access Networks (RAN), where antennas and masts connect mobile devices and IoT hardware to the core network. In the fixed-line sector, the core network of Izzi relies on ZTE technology.
Industry sources suggest Chinese providers maintain a heavy presence in fiber optic deployments. However, some players are already pivoting. The American carrier AT&T accelerated its transition toward Ericsson and Nokia equipment to avoid potential U.S. government sanctions.
Financial reports show a diverging trend in the Americas. Huawei reported a 2.4% increase in Americas sales for 2025, totaling approximately $5.38 billion, as it benefits from restrictions on its technology in the U.S. and Canada.
Conversely, European giants are seeing declines in the region. Ericsson reported a 3% drop in Americas revenue due to lower sales in Latin America, while Nokia recorded a 12% decrease, totaling $784 million.