Steel Standards, 5G Auction, Connectivity: The Weekly Roundup

This week in infrastructure, Mexico began enforcing new steel standards to improve construction safety and seismic resilience, while PROMTEL and Viasat partnered to expand broadband connectivity across the country. Televisa called for changes to Mexico’s industrial 5G auction to encourage greater private investment and network deployment, even as Mexico City’s housing market continued to face declining home sales and double-digit price growth.

Your weekly dose of Infrastructure is here!

Mexico Enforces New Steel Standards for Safer Construction

Mexico’s construction industry is entering a new regulatory phase as the first stage of NOM-251-SE-2025 comes into force on Aug. 12, requiring mandatory certification for six categories of structural steel products used in buildings and infrastructure. The measure seeks to improve the quality, traceability, and performance of construction materials in a country where seismic risk continues to shape engineering standards and public safety.

PROMTEL, Viasat Partner to Expand Connectivity Across Mexico

Mexico is strengthening its efforts to close the digital divide through a new partnership between the Federal Telecommunications Promotion Agency (PROMTEL) and satellite communications provider Viasat. The agreement aims to accelerate broadband deployment in underserved communities while supporting smaller telecommunications operators with infrastructure, technical expertise, and digital inclusion initiatives.

Televisa Seeks Changes to Mexico’s Industrial 5G Auction

Grupo Televisa is urging Mexico’s Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (CRT) to refine the rules governing the country’s first industrial 5G spectrum auction, arguing that the current proposal could unintentionally limit competition and discourage investment in private wireless networks. 

Mexico City Home Sales Fall as Prices Hit Double Digits

Mexico City’s residential market weakened in 2Q26 as home sales fell 6.4% year over year, even as average prices climbed 10.8% to MX$80,922/m². The divergence points to mounting affordability pressures, with limited new supply continuing to support prices despite softer demand.

UNESCO Renews Concerns Over Calakmul, Mayan Train Impact

UNESCO has renewed concerns over the impact of the Mayan Train and associated tourism infrastructure on the Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, urging Mexico to strengthen environmental oversight and submit updated conservation information before the World Heritage Committee reconvenes in 2027. 

Mexico Explores Using Sargassum for Roads, Construction Materials

Mexico is exploring the use of sargassum in roads and construction materials, advancing circular economy initiatives while promoting more sustainable infrastructure and coastal environmental management.