I’ve posted a follow up article, that takes in to account everything we’ve learned about Apple, the iPhone and Mexico since this post was published last June (’07). I’m asking iPhone in Mexico users to give us a little feedback about their experience. The new article: iPhone in Mexico: A Follow Up. I’ve turned off commenting on this post.
Ok, so I’ve been doing some noodling into whether the iphone will ever make it to Mexico. My apprehensions start with the iTunes Store, which is currently not available in Mexico. I’m not gonna conjecture on why iTunes still isn’t available here. What is important is that you need an iTunes account to use most of the data features on the iPhone. No account, no dice. My next thought was that Telcel is a GSM network, but it turns out this thought isn’t entirely correct. Telcel actually has dual GSM/Edge systems in place. Hence, if you’re vacationing in Mexico, you can get international voice/data plans from Cingular/AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile that work on Telcel’s network.
The knife in the iphone-in-mexico coffin is most likely Apple’s deal with AT&T Wireless. Telcel, having a total monopoly on the cellular market in Mexico*, will never bend to Apple getting a slice of subscription fees, conversely Telcel would most likely demand a slice of iTunes booty, for songs downloaded over the phone and it’s network (if/when it’s added as a feature). Mexico is a huge and growing economy, but 99% of the country is still buying the subsidized $40 bottom-of-the-line Nokias. I rarely ever see Blackberrys here, they aren’t even marketed or displayed within Telcel’s stores and the Hip-Top/Sidekick is nowhere to be seen.
If there is a silver lining it’s this: iPods may be a total luxury item here, but I still see them everywhere. They are the ultimate in status symbol for mexican teenagers. The Motorola RAZR was also a huge hit (although it was subsidized), it was responsible for everyone and their mother’s mother re-upping their 2 year contract with Telcel. Telcel’s monopoly (and robust network) make people sign that contract without even blinking. Who ya gonna go to, if there’s only one player in town? I learned this the hard way: when I bought my first phone, down here, I payed full price without a contract and then found out that there is no other provider I could switch to even if I wanted.
So, to sum it up: the tech is here, iTunes Store is not, Telcel is a huge obstacle and I’m not quite sure if the market is ready for the iPhone. It may make one helluva splash with the fresas and the business community, but I don’t know if there is a large enough market to interest Apple. If I had a Magic 8 Ball, I’m sure it would say something like: “Dude, you’re SOL. Keep dreaming.”
Until the iPhone gets here I’ll keep dreaming, in the meantime, I’m going to NYC next week and I can’t wait to get my grubby mits all over one at the 5th Ave Apple store.
Update: I stumbled upon this post at mobilmag.com, in the comments someone writes, in spanish, that he hears from a reliable source, that the iPhone is coming to Mexico in September and Telcel will carry it. I am dubious, but I hold out a child-like hope that it’s true. I believe everything I read on the internets.
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* There are a few scrappy cellular upstarts including Movistar, iUsacel and Nextel, but all of them use some portion of Telcel’s network, so in essence they are MVNO networks and their coverage is dismal in most areas outside of the major cities (including mine).
Hello Ed.
Just stumbled upon your site after googling for “iphone mexico”!
Thanks for that info!
Yeah, I’ve been wanting something portable that could access the web, and have been leaning towards the Linux-based Nokia n800 “internet tablet” since it just connects to any wi-fi network, and is supposedly shortly including Skype, of which I’m a big fan. But I’m curious about the Iphone too, since it is web-enabled, but of course I’m really wondering about whether it would work in Mexico.
Don’t have time to really check out your blog just now–we’re leaving tomorrow a.m. for San Diego for about 6 weeks or so. Normally we’re in San Miguel de Allende–where are you?
I used to run a forum here–vivasma, but I cancelled it due to a lack of interest (and competition from a Yahoo-based group).
Okay then, thanks again for the info!
Cheers,
Sander