The CFE gets into the internet game: hero or villain?
Attention, lovers of megabytes and enemies of abusive bills! The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), that entity that already lights up our homes (when there are no blackouts), now wants to be our digital savior. Yes, as you read it: the CFE will enter the lucrative and monopolized internet market if the telecommunications reform is approved. Because, of course, what better than a state company to compete with the private giants that charge us an arm and a leg for 5GB of data?
Sheinbaum and his dream of a “cheap” internet
President Claudia Sheinbaum, in her quest to be the fairy godmother of disconnected Mexicans, announced that the CFE will offer commercial service “on equal terms” (ahem, ahem) with private companies. Their logic is impeccable: more competition = lower prices. Although, to be honest, the last time we heard “level playing field” in a state monopoly, we ended up paying more for electricity than in countries with polar winters.
“What do we want with this? To generate more competition and to lower Internet prices as well” — Claudia Sheinbaum, repeating like a parrot the free market mantra that her allies criticize so much.
The funny detail: before the CFE could only provide internet in areas without coverage (read: where not even rats have a signal). Now, oh wonder, he will be able to sell it in the middle of CDMX, competing with Telmex and company. The result? According to Sheinbaum, a paradise of accessible megabytes. We just hope it doesn’t end up like the electric service: expensive, intermittent and with bills that look like lottery numbers.
The 15 million unconnected: priority or slogan?
José Peña Merino, the head of the Digital Transformation Agency (ADT), released another juicy fact: 15 million Mexicans do not have internet, either because they live in the 19th century or because their salary is only enough for tortillas, not for data. The magic solution: public spectrum, CFE Telecommunications and… free internet in places! Because nothing says “progress” like seeing grandparents doing TikTok in the Zócalo with government WiFi.
The most ironic thing: government offices will stop hiring private parties to use the CFE service. In other words, the State will be self-sufficient… while it sells the same product to us. State Capitalism 101, friends. Of course, they promise that there will be no “favoritism.” Of course, like when Pemex competes “equally” with Shell and Chevron. Pure transparency!
Will it work? Who knows. But if the CFE’s internet is as stable as its electrical service, prepare for video calls that are cut off every time it rains. Of course, at least we will have free memes to laugh at the disaster.
Are you excited by the idea of sailing with the CFE or do you prefer to flee to Starlink? Share this note and join the debate. And if you want more snarky analysis of the government’s “brilliant” ideas, explore our related content. #InternetForEveryone (or at least for those who can tolerate buffering).
