The Invisible Tech That Will Define Mexico’s Competitiveness

Nearshoring, supply chain digitalization, and the growing demand for smart operations are significantly enhancing competitiveness. However, there is one enabling factor that rarely makes headlines and will be decisive to the success of this transformation: connectivity.

When we talk about connectivity today, we are no longer referring simply to internet access. We are talking about networks capable of connecting factories, warehouses, transportation assets, sensors, robots, distribution centers, and even individual products, generating real-time information for decision-making. DHL identifies this trend as "Next-Generation Connectivity," an evolution that integrates technologies such as 5G, future 6G networks, low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, the Internet of Things (IoT), and intelligent private networks.

For the logistics sector, this evolution presents the opportunity to achieve unprecedented levels of visibility, efficiency, and resilience.

A Digital Economy Requires Digital Infrastructure

Mexico has established itself as one of the largest telecommunications markets in Latin America, with more than 121 million active broadband connections. Nevertheless, significant disparities in connectivity access and quality remain between urban and rural regions.

This challenge is particularly relevant considering that the nearshoring strategy is attracting new manufacturing investments to states such as Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, Queretaro, and the State of Mexico. These investments require robust digital networks capable of supporting automated operations, artificial intelligence, and advanced data analytics.

Fortunately, the technology ecosystem continues to strengthen. Global companies are making unprecedented investments in Mexico's digital infrastructure. AWS announced an investment of nearly US$5 billion in data center infrastructure in Querétaro, while Salesforce committed US$1 billion to accelerate artificial intelligence adoption and digital transformation.

These investments are clear signals of confidence in Mexico’s potential as a technology platform for North America.

5G: Enabling Smart Logistics

5G networks offer low latency and high data transmission capacity, both critical factors for advanced automation and intelligent logistics management.

Imagine a distribution center in Cuautitlan Izcalli or Monterrey operating with hundreds of autonomous robots receiving instructions in real time. Thanks to 5G, these systems can coordinate movements, optimize picking routes, and reduce operational errors almost instantaneously.

Another example highlighted by DHL is the implementation of AI-powered warehouse management systems connected through 5G networks, capable of managing inventory across multi-level facilities with exceptional precision and efficiency.

For Mexican logistics operators, this translates into:

• Increased warehouse productivity.
• Lower operating and infrastructure costs.
• Real-time inventory visibility.
• Improved delivery performance.
• Greater ability to scale operations driven by nearshoring.

Beyond 5G: The Arrival of Connected Intelligence

While only a limited number of companies in Mexico have begun adopting 5G, development of 6G technology is already underway.

The next generation of networks will enable the transition from an ecosystem of "connected things" to one of "connected intelligence," where artificial intelligence and machine learning are natively integrated into communication systems.

This evolution will create opportunities for supply chains capable of self-regulation.

For example:

• Fleets that automatically adjust routes in response to weather events.
• Inventories that replenish themselves predictively.
• Platforms that identify operational risks before they occur.
• Port systems coordinated through real-time artificial intelligence.

Satellite Networks: The Great Silent Revolution

One of the most promising developments for Mexico and the world is coming from space.

Today, there are approximately 5,000 low-Earth orbit satellites currently in operation, a figure expected to grow by roughly 1,700 new satellites annually through 2030. Furthermore, the global satellite connectivity market is projected to exceed US$11.3 billion by 2028, growing at nearly 18% per year. Why is this relevant for Mexico? Because a significant portion of our logistics activity takes place in areas where terrestrial coverage remains limited.

Consider:

• Mining operations in Sonora and Zacatecas.
• Highway corridors in northern and southeastern Mexico.
• Major seaports such as Manzanillo and Lazaro Cardenas.
• Agricultural operations in Sinaloa and the Bajío region.
• Strategic border crossings.

Satellite connectivity, together with emerging technologies such as direct-to-cell, will enable mobile devices to remain connected even in areas without traditional cellular coverage, ensuring continuous visibility of assets and goods.

For Mexican logistics, this could represent a radical transformation in terms of security, traceability, and operational continuity.

A Call to Action

As President of the Mexican Association of Logistics Operators, I believe that next-generation connectivity must become part of Mexico’s strategic agenda with the same level of priority we currently assign to highways, ports, railroads, and industrial parks. Companies that invest today in 5G, IoT, artificial intelligence, satellite connectivity, and automation capabilities will be better positioned to capture nearshoring opportunities and help consolidate Mexico as North America’s leading logistics and manufacturing hub.

The question is no longer whether connectivity will transform business. The real question is how quickly we will be prepared to take advantage of it.

Because the future of Mexican competitiveness will not travel only through highways, railways, and ports. It will also travel through intelligent networks that connect every asset, every process, and every decision in real time.