Mexico has a thriving telecommunications industry covering fixed line and mobile services and it was the liberalisation of the market in the 1990s that allowed previously state-owned firms to expand and new player to enter the arena. Two governmental ministries regulate the industry and it is estimated that there are over 20 million landline telephone connections active in Mexico today. The mobile market is even more popular, with nearly 80 million active phones providing penetration levels of over 72 per cent.

There are several major mobile providers with international backing in Mexico, but the largest is Telcel, which is owned and operated by America Movil, one of the world`s largest network operators. Telcel has a market share that exceeds 77 per cent according to recent calculations and its GSM networks provide coverage for 90 per cent of the Mexican population. In real terms its networks cover nearly three quarters of the Mexican landscape and you will find that whilst other providers are available in built up areas, more isolated regions will only be serviced by Telcel because of its dominance.

Telcel kick-started a 3G networking service back in 2008, but a majority of its coverage is provided by older GSM technology. This means that most international visitors will find that their existing mobiles will work without need for modification and foreign carriers will have deals with Telcel to ensure that the transition is handled seamlessly. However, roaming charges for mobiles and SIMs originating outside of Mexico can be steep and if you are using a 3G network the charge for data will be even higher. It is for this reason that many people choose to leave their mobile phones at home when they go abroad.

If you do decide that you need a mobile phone whilst you are in Mexico, then there are two linked options. The first is to take your phone with you but rent a local SIM card with a cheaper tariff on offer and you can even rent a whole mobile for the duration of your stay. This is a great way of getting a Mexico phone package that does not break the bank. The alternative is to purchase a prepaid mobile when you arrive in Mexico. Basic mobiles can be relatively cheap and if it is something that you cannot do without then it could work out as a more cost-effective option than bringing a foreign mobile and SIM from home.

Mexico`s landline telephone network extends into most of its towns, cities and villages and you will usually be able to find a payphone wherever you go. The most modern phones will accept payment by phonecard and these can be bought from most newsstands, pharmacies and supermarkets. Payment by coin and credit card should also be available in larger hotels and public places. Hotels with phones in the room may offer a convenient way to make calls, but the charges can be astronomical and most people avoid these.

People who have relatives at home can always solve the problem of outbound calls by organising a service to provide cheap calls to Mexico before they go away. There are many providers out there who will provide international calling for just a few pence a minute and prior planning could save you money.

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