Over the past several years, Latin America has experienced a significant surge in internet access, with Mexico at the forefront of this digital revolution. Recent data highlights this remarkable trend: the 2022 edition of the National Survey on Availability and Use of Information Technologies in Homes (ENDUTIH) reports that Mexico boasts 93 million Internet, which represents 78.6% of the population. Regarding, mobile phone users, the survey reports 93.8 million users of mobile phone (80% of the population). This access in connectivity is transforming the way Mexicans live, work, and learn, setting the stage for a new era of digital inclusion and innovation.
However, the digital divide is not merely a matter of connectivity. In Mexico, the challenge extends to equipping individuals with the necessary digital skills to fully leverage the opportunities presented by modern technology. LinkedIn data reveals that seven of the 15 fastest-growing jobs in recent years demand expertise in technology, programming, data management, and engineering. Figures from the World Economic Forum also indicate that by 2025, at least 75 million people in the world could be disqualified from the jobs of the future if they do not update their digital skills.
Whilst the term digital divide usually implies limited access to coverage or technology, it also extends to the digital skills gap that results from a lack of accessible opportunities. It presents a unique chance for academia and companies like Ericsson and other key industry players to prepare and foster young talent to meet the evolving demands of the job market.
Promoting a high impact 5G ecosystem
5G technology in Mexico holds the promise of transforming numerous sectors, from manufacturing and mining to public services and education. By fully realizing the potential of 5G, Mexico can expect increased productivity, worker safety and reduced CO2 emissions by enabling automation and IoT. The benefits of digital connectivity and 5G could potentially generate millions of jobs and significantly boost the region's GDP.
So, how do we harness 5G’s full potential? Here are a few key pointers to consider:
To harness the power of 5G, fostering collaboration between academia and industry is crucial. Combining the academic expertise of university faculty with the practical, cutting-edge knowledge of industry professionals can lead to innovative partnerships and real-world solutions.
Equipping students and professors with specialized 5G training will not only advance digitalization, but also help to contribute to the development of a digitally skilled workforce. Digital education isn't solely about teaching technical concepts; it's pivotal in bridging the digital skills gap, fostering sustainable advancement, and preparing the next generation with the digital acumen required to tackle future challenges.
By facilitating connections between Communication Service Providers (CSPs), academia and the ecosystem of industry players, we’re able to identify new startups and services to collaborate with. This provides both entrepreneurs and startups with the opportunity to develop, test, and validate their prototypes.
Ericsson’s 5G initiatives in Mexico
Ericsson’s presence in Mexicodates back more than 120 years and has been a major force in shaping the ICT and telecommunications industries in the country, as well as serving as a worldwide talent hub in the region. The strong bonds between the Swedish company and Mexico were recently evidenced with the inauguration of our new office in Mexico with a royal grand opening.
Aligned with our objective to pioneer a a sustainable and connected future is our alliance with Tecnologico de Monterrey University: The Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM). ITESM is one of the most recognized universities in Latin America and well-known for being the first university that was ever connected to the Internet in Latin America. With 32 campuses around Mexico, it provides one of the highest quality education programs for over 90,000 students.
Our alliance with ITESM has already proven significant in Mexico. Earlier this year, we made a significant step towards 5G development in the region by implementing the first academic private 5G network in the country, together with AT&T Mexico. The establishment of the network at the ITESM 5G LAB, situated in Mexico City, marked a notable progression towards fostering the digitalization of industries and driving economic growth within the country.
Another initiative to come from this alliance is the Ericsson 5G University program, part of the Connect to Learn portfolio. This program is designed to support education institutions with an in-depth educational offering on 5G technology targeted at academic professors, with the following goals:
- Providing a cohesive understanding of 5G technologies
- Improving high-level digital skills
- Bridging skill gaps by increasing job readiness in the Telecom and IT sectors
The 5G University program aims to contribute to the development of a 5G-ready workforce by providing upskilling in 5G and related technologies for academic professors and students. By bringing 5G training into the academic curriculum, universities can help students build the 5G ICT skills demanded by the market.
Recently, professors specializing in engineering, mechatronics, and electronics from ITESM's Monterrey, Querétaro, and Mexico City campuses underwent training in the Ericsson 5G University program. The knowledge and learnings gained from their time will be incorporated into their classes and lectures and tailored to the curriculum to better suit university students.
Mexico has a lot to gain by unlocking 5G’s potential. Enhanced connectivity will connect people to online government, transportation, finance, healthcare, and more. Additionally, as technology advances, a next generation workforce equipped with digital skills will be instrumental in meeting the challenges of tomorrow and bringing value to society as whole. We’re proud to be a part of the digital transformation.
Learn more
Check out our Ericsson Perspectives piece detailing how connectivity will empower communities in a digitally inclusive future.
Learn more about Digital Inclusion
Read about how we’re inspiring the next generation with the Ericsson 5G University program
Discover how launching the first 5G commercial network in Mexico will transform the LATAM region.
