| Communications |
Communications is one of the areas that has experienced rapid advancement in the past several years in the more populated areas of Mexico. By far, the most popular is the internet which now offers services similar to those you are used to having at home.
Prodigy (provided by Telmex) is by far the biggest provider and offers high speed broadband services starting at $350 pesos (US$32) per month, once you purchase the equipment at an approximate cost of US$100.
The phone systems have expanded significantly though Telmex (land lines) and Telcel (wireless) are still the major players. Basic service costs around $270 pesos (US$25) per month, which includes 100 local calls with long distance costing $7 to $10 pesos per minute.
Alternatives for long distance include “call back” services, vonage, skype, all of which reduce the costs significantly.
There are a variety of options for TV services. The most popular are provided by satellite, which provide programming from both the United States and Canada.
Snail mail is still unreliable. There are options such as “mail boxes”, courier services (FedEx, UPS, DHL) and local organizations quite often offer services where mail is taken to the U.S. and re-directed from there. Local mail is slow so most people use courier services for important items.
The one area that does need improving is sending/receiving packages. Aduanas (customs) still seem to have a problem with packages, causing significant delays. Courier services will handle them but at a cost. Mostly here we rely on one another; when someone is going north or coming to Mexico, they will carry other peoples’ packages.
There are some English language newspapers but they are somewhat limited in International news. However, the internet makes up for that; you can access today’s news online for both major newspapers and even local news from small towns.
Living in Mexico has become much easier from a communications point of view. You can stay in touch with family and friends very easily and affordably, still watch your favorite TV programs (even Coronation Street), surf the net and get your mail. |
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