Totalplay to Offer Symmetrical Internet: Tech Week

This week, a report shows that Mexican consumers prefer mid-range smartphones, as brands like Motorola and Xiaomi gain traction by offering advanced features at competitive prices. Meanwhile, Totalplay’s pivot to symmetrical internet reflects not only a strategic move to reverse mounting losses but also a regulatory negotiation that highlights growing scrutiny over telecom practices. 

In international news, Meta faces an antitrust trial over its platform dominance, while Amazon’s abrupt pullback from China further reveals shifting trade and supply chain dynamics. 

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Mexico

Mid-Range Smartphones Dominated the Mexican Market in 2024

In 2024, 68.8% of Mexican smartphone users opted for mid-range devices, according to data from The Competitive Intelligence Unit (CIU). This segment, with prices below MX$15,000 (US$736), is far more popular than the high-end segment, which only represents 11.4% of the market. Brands such as Motorola, Xiaomi, and Oppo have consolidated their position in the country by offering advanced technology at affordable costs.

Totalplay Bets on Symmetrical Internet Amid Profit Struggles

Totalplay introduced a symmetrical internet model to improve its profitability after four consecutive years of net losses, which ranged from MX$547 million in 2020 (US$26.9 million) to MX$3.15 billion in 2023 (US$154.7 million), and a slowdown in network investments. The measure, announced during President Claudia Sheinbaum's morning conference and initially associated with additional charges for data overages, was adjusted following negotiations with PROFECO, which forced the company to obtain express consent from users to implement contractual changes.

International 

Meta Faces Antitrust Trial Over Instagram, WhatsApp Acquisitions

Meta is facing a federal antitrust lawsuit this week over its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) seeks to force the company to divest the platforms, alleging that the purchases were part of a deliberate strategy to eliminate competition in the social networking market.

Amazon Halts China Orders, Sellers Face Price Hikes or Exit

Amid the ongoing trade tensions between China and the United States, Amazon has canceled a significant number of inventory orders from China, including products such as beach chairs, scooters, and air conditioners. As a result, Chinese companies that sell on Amazon are now preparing to either increase prices for the United States market or exit altogether.

Latin America’s Digital Payment Market Worth US$448 Billion 

The push for financial inclusion and digital payment adoption in Latin America and Mexico represents a market opportunity exceeding US$448 billion, with small merchants at the forefront, according to a Mastercard report. The study highlights how dependence on cash continues to limit financial access and hinder economic growth across the region.