The state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, is a dynamic destination merging turquoise waters with lush jungles and undergoing a remarkable shift. The Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQ) reports that nearly 64 percent of state tourists, with half being Millennials, navigate travel options using mobiles and tablets. As Quintana Roo aligns its strategy with digital platforms, challenges and opportunities emerge.

In Cancun, a five-year push for advanced digital infrastructure addresses visitors seeking seamless experiences and sharing through social media and the cloud. While these innovations boost occupancy, the need for improved connectivity, especially poolside or beachside, remains critical. In the era of influential platforms like TripAdvisor, hotels and resorts face challenges from low online ratings. Mexico’s telecommunications reform, addressing infrastructure gaps and promoting competition and foreign investment, tackles these challenges. In response, GigNet Inc., a U.S. digital infrastructure company, is working to revolutionize internet connectivity from Cancun to Tulum across the hospitality, enterprise, and smart home sectors.

The company offers high-speed, reliable internet managed services, including a complete digital business platform for the hospitality industry, such as comprehensive dedicated internet and managed Wi-Fi solutions for hotels and resorts, including guest rooms, common areas, and restaurants. With an investment in Quintana Roo exceeding US$55 million, GigNet installed an advanced fiber-optic backbone network, a network operations center, and eight POPs, spanning over 400 kilometers. This network includes backbone structures, metro commercial loops, residential communities, and extensions to customer facilities.

“Our fiber-optic network serves our customers and lays the groundwork for diverse business opportunities beyond hospitality and tourism,” says Edward Mooney, Director and Chief Administrative Officer at GigNet. GigNet inaugurates its fiber-optic Digital Transformation Services Platform by providing dedicated internet connectivity directly to client locations. This is complemented by Managed Services, encompassing network monitoring, on-demand bandwidth, and additional support for clients’ IT staff. GigNet is expanding its offerings to include value-added services like cybersecurity, facial recognition, biometrics, Internet of Things (IoT), and other valueadded services, creating an integrated suite tailored to evolving client needs.

Clients are progressing towards digitization, embracing processes like system automation, innovative hospitality technologies, and a shift from paper-based documentation to digital imaging. GigNet’s commitment to the region and the expansion of Wi-Fi services through fiber-optic technology earn it recognition in three significant public-private initiatives. This includes establishing public Wi-Fi sites in Cancun, with plans for expansion throughout the Mexican Caribbean, involvement in the development of the new Tulum International Airport, and planned involvement in the Tren Maya (Mayan Train) project. GigNet’s active role underscores its pivotal contribution to enhancing connectivity and technological infrastructure in the region.

GigNet is also the provider best positioned to offer fiber-optic transport services for mobile phone operators during their transition to 5G technology. Covering approximately 90 percent of all the region’s hotels, resorts, and major businesses, GigNet’s extensive network reaches within 1 km of these key establishments, extending services into shared spaces like office complexes, shopping malls, and transportation hubs. An exemplary case of transformative impact is seen in The Anderson’s Group (Grupo Anderson’s), a major food and beverage client that partnered with GigNet to revolutionize their restaurant facilities. Through GigNet’s fiber-based services, The Anderson’s Group achieved seamless connections to the cloud, operational systems, and financial teams. This strategic integration, involving fiber-based Wi-Fi technology, resulted in notable operational improvements and strong testimonials of satisfaction from The Anderson’s Group.

Beyond benefiting clients, GigNet’s initiative named “Silicon Maya” emphasizes that investing in fiber-optic networks and expanding broadband access across all income levels is pivotal for growing GDP and economic opportunity across the region. GigNet firmly believes that with access now to its fiber-optic connectivity, the region is a prime candidate to emerge as a haven for technology entrepreneurs seeking the best in connectivity, climate, lifestyle, and natural beauty.

GigNet’s investment and commitment extend beyond client benefits, significantly contributing to the economic growth of the area. The company has laid the foundation for a robust infrastructure, catalyzing further development and creating opportunities for companies relying on fiber-optics and robust Wi-Fi to establish themselves seamlessly within the community and globally. The alignment of the area’s growth with GigNet’s network exemplifies a successful and mutually beneficial partnership, showcasing the possibilities when technology and strategic investment converge.