Regulation in Mexico’s telecommunications sector

The Mexican telecoms regulator, the IFT (Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones), has published the second biennial review of the regulatory measures imposed on the preponderant operator in the telecommunications sector in Mexico.

This second review has focused on strengthening three pillars:

  1. Consumers’ choice, and lowering the costs of switching to alternative providers. This review includes measures to facilitate the unlocking of mobile handsets distributed by the preponderant operator. The IFT also proposes the removal of on-net / off-net price differentials by the preponderant operator.
  2. The provision of regulated wholesale services. This includes measures aimed at ensuring the equality of inputs and mandating the provision of access to dark fibre services when access to passive infrastructure is not technically feasible. The review also considers the possibility of adjusting access prices subject to a competition review being carried out, with the aim of avoiding regulatory distortions in areas where there are alternative operators competing.
  3. The mechanisms for the implementation and supervision of regulatory measures. For example, this includes reinforcing the role of the Electronic Management System in imposing on the preponderant operator the obligation to comply with a number of KPIs associated with the availability and functioning of the system.

The review was based on an impact assessment on competition of prevailing measures, the implementation of current obligations, and an assessment of best international practices.

Frontier has advised the IFT a number of times, including this review, and regularly works with regulators and regulated firms in the telecoms sector across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

For further information please contact media@frontier-economics.com or call +44 (0) 20 7031 7000.