Wireless access to information, commerce, and each other has been one of the best advantages of the modern age. But it’s something we can take for granted – other nations have had significantly more difficulty setting up the kind of connectivity that we use. Even nations that we regularly do work with, such as Mexico, leaves many of its residents without the level of power that we’ve grown accustomed to. Luckily, a recent deal between two major international companies are about to change that.
Announced earlier this month, Nokia and China’s Huawei, the largest telecommunication equipment manufacturer in the world, have partnered up to provide better wireless service throughout the nation of Mexico. Although concerns over possible eavesdropping and cyber-attacks have hindered Huawei from gaining a foothold in the United States due to the company’s ties to the Chinese government, they have been gaining massive ground south of the border, and this partnership with Nokia has further solidified their role in the Americas.
The new network – named Red Compartida – is currently being prepared for a March 2018 launch. Their wireless service hopes to bring a reliable 4G wholesale network, wholesale meaning the network will be leased to the various carriers, to the entire nation, and depends on both companies fulfilling certain aspects of the production. Huawei will handle the network roll-out and infrastructure in both the southern and central portions of the country, helping establish the network. Meanwhile, Nokia will shoulder the responsibility of deploying strong infrastructure throughout northern Mexico. They will also be building the core network, connecting the country closer together and with the rest of the world. Nokia will also construct and maintain the network operation center and the local security operation center.
The agreement was reached thanks to Altàn Redes, a multinational consortium and with a series of investment funds. The group has obtained a twenty-year license by the current Mexican government to build and operate the network, and Red Compartida has brought on their partners Nokia and Huawei into the project. Joaquín Coronado, managing director of Altàn Redes, said that, “With Huawei and Nokia as technology partners, I am convinced that Red Compartida will have unparalleled quality and reach… We are confident that our partners Huawei and Nokia will soon provide Mexico with the best mobile broadband 4G-LTE technology available worldwide.”
The full deployment from the new deal is expected to cost somewhere in the range of $7 billion dollars – and these advancements are expected to bring reliable 4G coverage to at least 30% of the nation within the next year. After the plan has been fully implemented, it is expected that roughly 92% of the nation will be able to enjoy their expanded internet access. This development is encouraging for citizens of southern nations who are hoping to receive the same kind of technology as we take for granted, and is a sign of the direction many major governments are taking with wireless companies – helping them build a more sophisticated system that can do more good for more people.
