A national telemedicine network was established in Mexico, based on satellite transmission. Six remote hospitals were connected during the first phase in 1997. The network applications included distance learning and administration. In addition, 476 clinical consultations were carried out in the first six months (to March 1998). Clinical problems were solved in the teleconsultation in 159 cases (33%). The patient was transferred in 217 cases (46%). The 16 most common specialties at the six remote sites accounted for 274 teleconsultations, and cardiology and orthopaedics accounted for just over half of all teleconsultations. One of the six remote sites accounted for 41% of the teleconsultations.