Mexico's Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) is actively promoting mobile Wi-Fi service through MiFi devices — compact portable modems operating on the Altán Redes network. The minimum rate is now about 150 pesos per month or 1,350 pesos if paid for a year in advance.
The main feature of the service is that the Internet is connected not directly to the smartphone, but to a separate MiFi device. This is a small pocket router with its own SIM card, which creates a regular Wi-Fi network around itself. In essence, the user carries with him a «mini-home Internet» in a backpack, pocket or car.
In practice, it looks like this: the MiFi device is constantly placed next to the owner and distributes the Internet to several devices simultaneously — phones, laptops, tablets, TVs or game consoles. In particular, one family is able to connect several smartphones to it at once during a trip, and a remote employee — laptop and phone at the same time. This is especially convenient for those who frequently move around the country, work from cafes, or live in areas where there is no fiber-optic connection.
Unlike the classic mobile tariff, where the Internet is tied to one phone, MiFi turns into a separate mobile access point. Disadvantages: The modem itself is also expensive (1,145 pesos, including the 5 GB starter pack), the device must be carried with you at all times and charged regularly. If you leave it at home, connected smartphones will remain without access to the network.
The service operates through the infrastructure of Altán Redes — this is a nationwide Shared Network (Red Compartida), built on the LTE Band 28. It is through Altán that many virtual operators in Mexico operate today, including the widespread BAIT.
Altán Redes' coverage is noticeably different from traditional operators like Telcel or AT&T México. In large cities, the network is usually stable and supports 4G LTE, and in some areas 5G is already used. At the same time, the main objective of the project was initially to cover small towns and rural areas where commercial operators had not invested for a long time. That is why CFE is actively promoting the service as a «social Internet» for regions with limited communications.
In practice, the quality of coverage depends greatly on the specific area. In the center of Mexico City, Monterrey or Guadalajara, the network can work quite quickly, while in remote areas of the state, users often encounter an unstable signal or limited speed. Before connecting, it is usually recommended to check the coverage mapAltán Redes(marked in gray on the map).
The tariff line is based on traffic volume. The basic 5GB MiFi package is P150 per month. The following plans are available:
- 10 GB — 270 pesos,
- 20 GB — 380 pesos,
- 30 GB — 495 pesos,
- 50 GB — 610 pesos,
- 80 GB — 960 pesos,
- 100 GB — 1180 pesos.
When you pay for six months or a year at once, the price of a gigabyte becomes noticeably lower. Tariff details can be foundHere.
Connection is simple. The user orders a MiFi device through the official CFE TEIT website, selects a tariff and receives the equipment via postal delivery. After activation, you just need to top up your SIM card balance online.
The MiFi modem itself will cost 1,149 pesos on a turnkey basis. This amount already includes:
- the MiFi device itself,
- CFE SIM card,
- delivery,
- starter package with 5 GB of internet.
After this, the user only pays for the tariff extension.
For comparison, a package for 15 GB of traffic for 30 days from BAIT costs 200 pesos. BAIT does not have any additional payments when connecting (like for a modem with CFE).
Although CFE does not yet have the right to compete with the largest players in terms of network quality, it is betting on cheap mobile Internet. A similar service is also available from another virtual mobile operatornewww.