IoT connectivity in Mexico
Updated
In Mexico, no law we found restricts permanent roaming; mobile operators set the terms. Of the 3 mobile operators we track there, 2 have switched off 2G and 0 3G; the status of 1 network is still unclear, as of 26 October 2026. Sources are listed below each table.
Permanent roaming
No law found; set by operators. One provider survey reports that permanent roaming is not explicitly banned in Mexico but that mobile operators commonly restrict long-term use.
Sources: com4.no. Confidence: low.
2G and 3G shutdowns by operator
| Operator | Network | Status | Date | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Mexico | 2G | Switched off | March 2019 | dplnews.com, wirelesslogic.com DPL News says AT&T Mexico switched off 2G in March 2019; tracker lists 2G closed in 2019. Expansion (Jul 2026) only says the 2G shutdown began in 2019. |
| AT&T Mexico | 3G | No plan announced | none | expansion.mx, xataka.com.mx 3G still covers about 58% of the population; AT&T told Expansion it is still reviewing the topic; no set date for a final 2G/3G shutdown. |
| Movistar Mexico | 2G | Switched off | January 2021 | dplnews.com, wirelesslogic.com Telefonica's Movistar switched off 2G in January 2021 (DPL News); tracker lists 2G closed in 2021. Expansion says the 2G phase-out started in 2019. |
| Movistar Mexico | 3G | Unclear | none | No source found on the status of Movistar Mexico's own 3G network. |
| Telcel | 2G | No plan announced | none | expansion.mx, xataka.com.mx Telcel keeps its 2G network because about 11% of the population still depends on it; Telcel says it is still reviewing the topic and no date is set for a final 2G/3G shutdown in Mexico. |
| Telcel | 3G | No plan announced | none | expansion.mx, xataka.com.mx 3G covers about 96% of the population; no defined date for switching off 3G; no national shutdown roadmap from the regulator (IFT replaced by new authorities). Conflict: Kore (May 2026) lists 31 Dec 2026 for Telcel 3G. |
What it means for IoT devices in Mexico
- 2G still runs on some networks, but plan new devices on 4G-based technologies (LTE Cat-1bis, LTE-M or NB-IoT where available): 2G is being closed across the region.
- Private delivery works the same from Mexico: device data reaches your cloud over private links. See private delivery.
Other countries in North America
Full tables: permanent roaming rules by country and 2G and 3G shutdown dates.
Frequently asked questions
Is permanent roaming allowed for IoT SIMs in Mexico?
One provider survey reports that permanent roaming is not explicitly banned in Mexico but that mobile operators commonly restrict long-term use.
When is 2G switched off in Mexico?
Status by operator, as of 26 October 2026. AT&T Mexico: switched off (2019-03); Movistar Mexico: switched off (2021-01); Telcel: no shutdown plan announced.
When is 3G switched off in Mexico?
Status by operator, as of 26 October 2026. AT&T Mexico: no shutdown plan announced; Telcel: no shutdown plan announced.