In a significant milestone for digital connectivity in Mexico, new statistics reveal that internet access has surged to 73.6% of households by the end of 2024, up from 71.7% the previous year. This increase reflects the ongoing trend of technological adoption across the country, driven by younger generations and urban areas.
According to the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), nearly 100 million Mexicans aged six and older were connected to the internet by the end of 2024, marking a 3% rise from 2023 when approximately 97 million were reported to have access. The figures indicate that 83.1% of the population in this age group utilized the internet in 2024, compared to 81.2% in 2023.
Geographically, internet access varies significantly across states. Mexico City (CDMX) and Sonora lead the way with 84.4% of households having internet access, closely followed by Nuevo León at 83.7%. In contrast, states such as Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas lag behind, with only 58.9%, 55.5%, and 50.7% of households connected to the internet, respectively.
The increase in internet use has also translated into higher engagement with online shopping. In 2024, 35.8% of internet users made purchases online. The most popular items bought included personal care and hygiene products (77.9%), household items (45.8%), and food and beverages (33.0%). Despite this growth, a significant portion of the population, 64.2%, did not engage in online shopping. The primary reasons cited were a preference for in-person shopping (21.0%), lack of interest (13.2%), and a lack of knowledge on how to shop online (12.0%).
Mobile phone usage remains prevalent, with 81.7% of individuals aged six and older using a cell phone in 2024. Among these users, 79.9% opted for prepaid plans, while 15.3% chose postpaid plans, and a small fraction (0.5%) utilized both types of contracts. The average monthly expenditure on prepaid plans was recorded at 161.8 pesos, whereas postpaid users spent an average of 477.5 pesos monthly.
Computers also play a crucial role in digital access. In 2024, 17.2 million households, or 43.9% of the total, owned a computer, which includes laptops, tablets, or desktops. This translated to 44.1 million individual users, representing 36.6% of the overall population.
The rise of smart technology in homes is another noteworthy trend. By the end of 2024, 26.0% of households reported having at least one smart device connected to the internet or a local network, which equates to approximately 10.2 million homes. The most common smart device was a speaker or home assistant, found in 63.6% of these households, followed by video surveillance systems (38.4%) and entertainment devices (22.9%). However, smart devices like digital door locks and energy-saving thermostats were less common, with only 4.9% and 2.7% of households, respectively, reporting their use.
The digital landscape in Mexico continues to evolve, with the government and private sectors focusing on expanding internet access and digital literacy. As more households gain connectivity, the implications for education, commerce, and social interaction are profound.
In conclusion, Mexico's internet usage statistics for 2024 highlight a nation increasingly embracing digital technology. With nearly 100 million individuals connected, the country is well on its way to bridging the digital divide, although significant disparities remain between urban and rural areas. The challenge moving forward will be to ensure that all Mexicans can benefit from the opportunities that the internet provides, fostering a more inclusive digital economy.
