Mobile users to reach 28 million this year

The number of mobile users in Mexico is set to grow to 28 million this year, up 12% compared to 2002, Mexican daily El Universal reported, citing reports by Morgan Stanley and Gartner Dataquest, as well as statistics from the operators themselves. Traffic is expected to grow by 25%, but will still be low compared to other countries in the region. Mexican users spend an average of US$20 a month, compared to US$28 in Argentina and US$29 in Venezuela, yet Mexico's 25% mobile penetration places the country above Brazil, Argentina and Colombia. Only 8% of Mexico's 25 million mobile users are postpaid clients spending 250-500 pesos a month. However, the largest mobile operator Telcel sees its clients calling for an average of 150 minutes/month this year, compared to 120 minutes/month/user last year.