Introduction
The 2026 Economic Package presents a structural dilemma for Mexico’s public finances. How can the role of the state be strengthened without jeopardizing the dynamism of the productive apparatus or discouraging private investment?
Budgetary Focus on TICs
The relevance of this question becomes even more pronounced when examining the projected budgetary destination for Technologies of Information and Communication (TICs), one of the most strategic sectors for the country’s development.
The Executive’s proposal contemplates a fiscal deficit equivalent to 3.6% of the GDP, raising public debt to 52.3%, with a net expenditure of $9.2 billion pesos.
Centralization and Uncertainty
This allocation of resources is significant, yet it reveals a centralized administrative approach to public policy on connectivity and sectoral regulation, with an uncertain long-term vision.
Consolidation of the ATDT
One of the most notable aspects in the TIC area is the budgetary consolidation of the Agency for Digital Transformation and Telecommunications (ATDT), projected to receive $385 million pesos in 2026, a real annual growth of 22.1%. This financial expansion corresponds to the ATDT’s growing responsibilities in universal connectivity, regulatory improvement, and satellite policy.
Contrasting Growth and Elimination
However, this growth contrasts with the budgetary—and actual—elimination of the Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT) and the Federal Competition Economic Commission (Cofece), autonomous bodies that will cease operation by constitutional mandate to make way for two new entities: the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (CRT) and the National Antimonopolies Commission (CNA).
Yet, neither has full powers nor an assigned budget, leaving a regulatory vacuum.
Beneficiaries and Losers
Beneficiaries
Apart from the ATDT, other public bodies linked to the digital ecosystem would also benefit. The Financial for Well-being (Finabien), which facilitates financial services with telecommunications support, would see a real budgetary growth of 36.8%, aligning with the government’s priority to foster financial inclusion.
The Mexican Postal Service (SEPOMEX) would also be strengthened with a 24.9% increase, crucial for bolstering last-mile logistics in an increasingly digital economy.
Additionally, the National Informations Platform Plataforma México would receive a 17.9% boost, reinforcing the public security strategy based on TICs.
Losers
On the other side of the balance, there’s concern over the progressive dismantling of institutional capabilities of public media and educational platforms.
While the Public Broadcasting System (SPR) and Radio Educación would see increases, others like Canal 11, Canal 22, and IMER would suffer significant cuts.
More worrying is the 82.3% reduction in the budget for aprende.mx, reflecting a retreat in digital education amidst the post-pandemic context.
Tax Measures
In terms of revenue, an estimated decrease in IEPS collection from telecommunications (-0.3%) and spectrum rights (-4.5%) is noted, indicating persistent containment in sector investment.
Meanwhile, new taxes are introduced: an 8% IEPS on “violent video games” and a 50% tax on online betting games.
These fiscal measures spark a necessary debate about balancing revenue objectives, their fiscal cost, content regulation, and digital competitiveness.
Towards an Integral Digital Policy
In summary, the 2026 Economic Package proposes a profound reconfiguration of Mexico’s digital ecosystem: it bets on strengthening the state as a service provider, but still keeps governance conditions, effective competition, and investment for optimal functioning in the background.
The future of digital transformation in Mexico cannot solely depend on increased budget allocation to new agencies but also on clear rules, institutional continuity, and a long-term vision.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main dilemma presented by the 2026 Economic Package? The package presents a structural dilemma for Mexico’s public finances: how to strengthen the state without jeopardizing productivity or discouraging private investment.
- How does the 2026 Budget focus on TICs? The budget proposes significant allocations to key digital sectors, including the Agency for Digital Transformation and Telecommunications (ATDT), Financial for Well-being (Finabien), Mexican Postal Service (SEPOMEX), and National Informations Platform Plataforma México.
- What are the implications of budgetary consolidation for ATDT? The ATDT’s growing responsibilities in universal connectivity, regulatory improvement, and satellite policy are reflected in its projected budget increase of 22.1%.
- What are the concerns regarding the elimination of IFT and Cofece? The elimination of these autonomous bodies leaves a regulatory vacuum, as the newly proposed CRT and CNA entities lack full powers and assigned budgets.
- Which public bodies are identified as beneficiaries and losers in the 2026 Budget? Beneficiaries include Finabien and SEPOMEX, while losers are public media bodies like SPR, Radio Educación, Canal 11, Canal 22, and IMER, along with the aprende.mx digital education platform.
- What are the projected changes in tax collection and new taxes introduced in the 2026 Budget? The budget anticipates a decrease in IEPS collection from telecommunications and spectrum rights, while introducing new taxes on violent video games and online betting games.
- What does the 2026 Economic Package suggest for Mexico’s digital policy? The package proposes a profound reconfiguration of Mexico’s digital ecosystem, emphasizing the state’s role in service provision but keeping governance conditions, effective competition, and investment for optimal functioning in the background.
