Axtel, TAFS Partner to Launch TAM-1 Subsea Cable in Mexico

Trans Americas Fiber System (TAFS) and Axtel announced a strategic alliance to bring the TAM-1 submarine cable system to Mexico, a project set to transform digital connectivity across the Americas. Scheduled to enter commercial operation in 1Q26, TAM-1 will strengthen links between North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean, positioning Mexico as a critical hub for global data traffic.

“With its experience, coverage, and strength as an infrastructure operator, Axtel was key to consolidating this alliance. This collaboration not only enhances the TAM-1 project but also drives digital development throughout the region,” says Julio Bran, CEO, TAFS.

Under the agreement, TAFS will contribute its state-of-the-art subsea fiber capacity, while Axtel will provide the national infrastructure required for the system’s landing in Mexico. This includes 48,000km of terrestrial transport fiber, over 1,000 points of presence, and coverage across 77 cities, ensuring direct connection to Mexico’s largest digital and industrial hubs: Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Queretaro.

“Our participation reinforces Mexico’s global connectivity and allows us to offer international solutions with high availability and low latency,” states Armando de la Peña, CEO, Axtel.

Stretching over 7,000km, TAM-1 will directly connect Mexico, the United States, Central America, Colombia, and the Caribbean. The system is designed with highly resilient routes to improve network reliability, low latency for faster data transmission, and neutral, scalable infrastructure tailored for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and emerging digital services.

TAM-1 will establish a direct link between Mexico and Ashburn, Virginia, one of the most significant data hubs in the United States.

A Regional Digital Highway

TAM-1 is conceived as a “digital highway” that provides fluid capacity and bandwidth on demand, addressing the region’s surging internet traffic, which is growing by over 30% annually. The system will serve as a replacement for legacy networks, enabling deeper internet penetration and helping close the digital divide across the Americas.

With 11 landings planned, TAM-1’s future expansion will extend coverage across the Caribbean basin and Pacific South America, providing a flexible platform for long-term digital growth.

The project is backed by a consortium of international leaders. AT&T acts as anchor tenant and landing party in the United States, bringing decades of experience in subsea cables. Fugro provides geophysical surveys to secure the cable’s subsea foundations. Lastly, EGS, which performed extensive marine route surveys since 2022, covers Florida, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Croix, and Tortola.

“This is the most advanced fiber optic technology available at scale. TAM-1 is all about delivering new connections through reliable, flexible digital infrastructure,” shares Corey Anthony, Senior Vice President, AT&T Network Operations.

Impact for Mexico and the Region

The alliance will enhance Mexico’s role as a strategic connectivity hub, strengthening its industrial base and digital economy. With Axtel’s coverage in over 90% of the country’s industrial parks, TAM-1 will facilitate high-performance solutions for businesses, digital platforms, and global cloud providers.

The subsea system is also expected to foster regional economic growth, boosting competitiveness and ensuring the resilience of data flows in an increasingly connected world.

“TAM-1 is an ambitious project of far-reaching scope. It will have a transformative impact on the region’s digital infrastructure,” adds Guy Arnos, Project Advisor with over 40 years of industry experience.