Mayan Train Almost Complete, 5G Advances: The Weekly Roundup

This week, authorities reported that the Mayan Train’s entire circuit is slated for completion by the end of June, but activists warn of its environmental impact. The government has also initiated tenders to repair highways near the Mayan Train in Quintana Roo, focusing on segments of Highway 307 from Tulum to Chetumal. 

Meanwhile, TV Azteca received a 5G spectrum concession from the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT), enabling it to experiment with 5G technology. AT&T Mexico, in collaboration with Ericsson and Tecnológico de Monterrey, successfully deployed the first private 5G network at the university's CEMEX Business and Technology Development Center.

Ready? It's time for the Week in Infrastructure.

Mayan Train’s Entire Circuit to be Inaugurated in June

The Mayan Train is nearing completion, with Section 5 North scheduled to be inaugurated on Feb. 29, and the entire circuit to be inaugurated by the end of June. The project has seen substantial use, with over 50,000 passengers transported in the past 55 days. However, concerns have arisen regarding its environmental impact, including damage to ecosystems such as mangroves and caves, as well as disruptions to water flows and deforestation. 

Government to Repair Highways Near the Mayan Train

Mexico’s federal government has introduced nine tenders to address road repairs in Quintana Roo, responding to strains caused by material and machinery transportation for the construction of the Mayan Train. These tenders, announced between November and December 2023, focus mainly on segments of Highway 307 from Tulum to Chetumal. 

López Obrador Inaugurates Barranca Larga-Ventanilla Highway

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador inaugurated the Barranca Larga-Ventanilla highway in Oaxaca, a project aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and boosting the state's economy. The construction, spanning over 15 years and costing over US$763.1 million, was resumed in March 2020 after being left incomplete by the previous administration. The 104km highway significantly reduces travel times, benefiting over 100,000 residents by cutting the journey from Oaxaca city to Puerto Escondido from 6.5 hours to 2.5 hours. 

IFT Says That Proposal to Eliminate It Threatens Telecom Progress

López Obrador's proposal to eliminate autonomous bodies, including the IFT, is sparking concerns. The IFT warns that dissolving these bodies would negatively impact users, limit competition, and disrupt the telecommunications industry's progress. 

TV Azteca Receives 5G Spectrum Concession from IFT

The IFT has approved a spectrum concession for TV Azteca, a leading Mexican broadcaster, allowing the company to experiment with 5G technology. TV Azteca has been granted access to the 614-698MHz frequency band, enabling it to explore high-quality content delivery and enhanced mobile services. 

AT&T Mexico, Ericsson Enable First Private 5G Network

AT&T Mexico, in collaboration with Ericsson and Tecnológico de Monterrey’s campus in Mexico City, has successfully implemented the first private 5G network at the university's CEMEX Business and Technology Development Center. 

CONAGUA, Local Governments Extend Cutzamala System Works

The Cutzamala System, a major water source for Mexico City and its metropolitan area, is facing a significant decline in supply due to droughts over the past three years. In response, the National Water Commission (CONAGUA), along with the governments of Mexico City and the State of Mexico, are implementing various projects to increase water flow.