Overview of the New Legislation
The Mexican Chamber of Deputies has approved, in general terms, the new Telecommunications and Broadcasting Law proposed by President Sheinbaum. The vote was 369 in favor, 104 against, and 3 abstentions.
This new legislation aims to bring about a profound restructuring in the institutional, regulatory, and operational framework of the telecommunications sector. It is part of the ongoing process of organizational simplification reforms.
Key Changes in the New Law
- Establishment of foundational policies for regulating the use, exploitation, and aprovechamiento of the radioelectric spectrum, public telecommunications networks, deployment and access to active and passive infrastructure, and orbital resources.
- Creation of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission as a subordinate body under the Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency, maintaining technical and operational independence. This commission will be responsible for issuing regulatory resolutions, with a Plenum composed of five commissioned members.
Diverse Perspectives from Political Groups
During the extraordinary session, representatives from various political groups, including Morena, PAN, PVEM, PT, PRI, and Movimiento Ciudadano, shared their viewpoints on the matter.
- Miguel Ángel Monraz Ibarra (PAN) expressed concern that the reform poses a “threat and warning” from an authoritarian, controlling, and censoring government towards citizens, concessionaires, media outlets, journalists, and permit holders. He stated that the reform signifies the formalization of an increasingly authoritarian government.
- Antonio de Jesús Ramirez Ramos (PVEM) viewed the legislation as a historic opportunity to renew the legal framework of this sector, with objectives such as simplifying and digitalizing procedures, eliminating regulatory redundancies, and establishing clear rules to encourage investment and competition.
- Adrián González Naveda (PT) highlighted that the law addresses “historical” aspects related to community, indigenous, and Afro-Mexican radio stations. These stations will now have financial viability since official federal advertising will increase from 1% to between 1% and 10%. State and municipal governments can also sell local products and services, using up to 3% of their total transmission time. Furthermore, audience rights will be reinstated.
Discussion in Particulars Begins
Following the general vote, legislators started discussing the specifics of the bill that expands the Telecommunications and Broadcasting Law.
