The major telecommunications reform enacted by Mexico in 2015 has sought to remedy poor telecommunications infrastructure with mandates for increased competition and increased foreign direct investment. Against this backdrop, GigNet Inc., a United States digital infrastructure company, entered the market in 2018 with a vision to revolutionize Internet connectivity and services for the hospitality, enterprise, and smart home segments from Cancun to Tulum. GigNet installed an advanced fiber-optic backbone network along with a network operations center and eight POPs, completed in early 2019. Since then, the fiber network has grown to over 400 kilometers including backbone, metro commercial loops, residential communities, and other fiber-based network extensions to customer facilities. Client services, technical support, and field operations comprise GigNet’s service delivery platform.

Connecting the region

GigNet’s fiber-optic Digital Transformation Services Platform begins with true dedicated Internet connectivity to client locations, and is enhanced with managed services for network monitoring, bandwidth-on-demand, and other services to support client IT staff. GigNet also has introduced value-added services such as cybersecurity, facial recognition and biometrics, Internet of Things (IoT) and video content services. 

These enhanced products and services are in demand as GigNet hospitality, enterprise, and developer clients are each in their own way progressing on digital transformation.  This can range from automation of systems to implementation of new hospitality technology, to reduced reliance on paper-based documentation and increased use of digital imaging—as is the case with GigNet’s medical and educational clients. 

GigNet is helping connect hotels, resorts, retailers, offices, large commercial operations, governmental offices, medical and educational facilities, transportation services such as ferries, the Cancun Airport, and flight bureaus, as well as positioning itself to offer fiber-optic transport services for mobile phone operators in the region as they transition to 5G. GigNet’s network is within 1 km of 90 percent of all the region’s hotels, resorts, and major businesses.

In three short years (including eighteen months of pandemic), GigNet has become the leader in digital transformation in Quintana Roo. Along with incredible beaches, golf courses, jungle adventures, and ocean activities, the Cancun region has emerged as one of the most vibrant and innovative dining scenes in the world. Digital transformation is a key part of this innovation.

An important national and local restaurant chain with twenty locations in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum has changed the game for fine dining and their performance dinner shows (common in the area), with unparallelled accessibility to data, excellent Wi-Fi and Internet service for tourists that maximize the experience their guests enjoy in their restaurants. Guests directly benefit from secure, seamless access while dining for sharing memorable meals and experiences. It is in the “back of house” where GigNet facilitates digital transformation:  

• Guest experience is enhanced with QR menus and reliable payment terminals that facilitate faster orders and service.

• Better connectivity also means improved DJs and live music performances, and other digital entertainment streamed in venues.

• Interconnect and VPNs linking restaurant locations and corporate offices make operations, meetings, marketing, and inventory procurement efforts more streamlined.  

• Simplified management of the Wi-Fi systems frees up IT department resources for other tasks.