I’ve been a Mexico City resident for just 9 months and there’s one word to describe this dynamic metropolis of over 20 million people: massive.
So as we set out to be this city’s -- and this country’s – top choice for wireless service, we’re focused on being where the people are.
That’s a big ask, because we not only have customers above ground, but they’re also below it -- in the world’s fourth-largest subway system.
Earlier this summer, we began working on the first of 12 Mexico City Metro subway system lines. We’re building a fiber-fed network to provide 4G LTE and Wi-Fi service throughout the Metro.
It’s a job that’s as big as this city. On an average day, 5.5 million people ride the Metro. And it’s not unusual for riders to be aboard between 1 and 2 hours each day.
We’ll offer connectivity in the Metro system’s 195 stations and throughout some 125 miles of tunnels. The system’s 350 trains travel through tunnels that dip to depths nearly 100 feet below the surface.
We’re working now in the stations and tunnels, tackling Metro Lines 7, 3 and 1, which are the toughest because of their depth and the high number of daily riders.
This project is also difficult because of the limited time we have each day to work on it. The Metro trains run each weekday from 5 a.m. to midnight. That means we only get about 3 to 4 hours each night to work in the tunnels.
But we’re getting it done and we’re making good progress. Our employees here are committed to being the best wireless provider. We’re focused on growing our network, which today reaches over 88 million people.
And in Mexico City, whether you’re above the ground or below it, our customers will get the connections they need.
Kelly King is chief executive officer of AT&T in Mexico.
