Telcel

Telcel launched its 3G network in Mexico in February 2008, utilising the 850 MHz and 1900 MHz frequency bands. This network provided enhanced mobile broadband services following the implementation of HSPA+ in December 2011.

Telcel commercially launched its 4G LTE network on November 6, 2012, initially offering services to post-paid customers in major cities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Querétaro, Puebla, Ciudad Juárez, Tijuana, Hermosillo, and Mérida. The LTE network operated on the AWS band 4 spectrum, providing significantly faster data speeds and improved network reliability. By February 2015, Telcel extended its 4G services to pre-paid users. As of June 2015, the LTE network covered 65.5% of the Mexican population. In 2016, Telcel participated in a spectrum auction, acquiring additional AWS band 66 spectrum to further enhance its LTE network capabilities. The auction, which began on February 15, 2016, resulted in Telcel and AT&T winning the spectrum, which was allocated in May 2016.

Telcel's journey into 5G technology began with spectrum acquisitions and network trials. In July 2020, Telcel purchased Axtel's 3.5 GHz spectrum, consolidating its holdings into a contiguous 100 MHz block. This acquisition marked a significant step in transitioning Mexico's 3.5 GHz band from FDD to TDD operation, paving the way for 5G deployment. Telcel's 5G network was commercially activated in February 2022, initially covering 125 cities and serving over 10 million users. The 5G network utilized the 5G NR frequency band N5 (850 MHz), offering enhanced data speeds and connectivity. Telcel planned to participate in Mexico's 5G spectrum auction, as reported on June 6, 2023, indicating its commitment to expanding its 5G services and maintaining a competitive edge in the telecommunications market.