Introduction to the Mexican Telecommunications Regulator, CRT
The Comisión Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones (CRT), Mexico’s telecommunications regulator, is planning to hold three spectrum auctions for 5G services. These auctions aim to facilitate industrial processes, expand cellular coverage in underserved regions, and promote broadband mobile services.
The Three Spectrum Auctions
The CRT intends to launch these auctions starting from the second half of 2026. Each auction will focus on different aspects:
- First Auction: Targeted at industrial processes, this auction will include licenses for frequencies in the 2.3 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands, with a regional and local focus.
- Second Auction: This auction will allocate frequencies in the 10.5 GHz and 38 GHz bands, suitable for links and usage in challenging access regions. The coverage planned includes a regional, local, and point-to-point link license.
- Third Auction: Directly benefiting over 140 million people in Mexico, this auction will feature coverage spectrum in the 600 MHz and 800 MHz bands, along with capacity spectrum in the 1.9 GHz and 2.5 GHz bands. Licenses will vary from national, regional (9), Area of Basic Service (65), and Partial Area of Service (320) to cater to industry preferences.
Telcel’s Participation and Market Dynamics
The CRT has left the possibility open for Telcel to participate in all auctions, as it is the dominant economic agent in the sector, holding 46.78% of all mobile consumer mass services licenses in Mexico. However, the Comisión Nacional Antimonopolio (CNA) will determine the extent of Telcel’s participation to maintain fair competition.
Industry speculation suggests Telcel might focus on 600 MHz spectrum to strengthen its enterprise services, while Altán Redes might aim for 40 MHz in the 2.5 GHz band to build its first 5G network. AT&T, however, threatens not to compete for the 600 MHz and 3.5 GHz bands if spectrum prices do not significantly decrease.
Incentives and Spectrum Allocation
The CRT promises economic incentives for spectrum purchases nationwide, particularly to establish cellular coverage in previously unattended areas. These areas are estimated to house 1.9 million people, with 31% in Chiapas, Chihuahua, and Veracruz states. The CRT also acknowledges the work of the former Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones (IFT) in clearing the 600 MHz and reorganizing the 3.5 GHz bands, both suitable for 5G.
Incentives include a 50% discount on annual spectrum right payments for operators building rural cellular networks. The CRT will also continue the IFT’s efforts to further fraction the spectrum, allowing more local businesses to join the telecommunications ecosystem.
The CRT further promises to redefine payment and guarantee criteria, making it easier for smaller operators to secure stand-by credit.
Mexico’s Spectrum Position and Regional Comparison
The CRT recognizes Mexico’s need to regain its position as a leading spectrum-available nation in Latin America. Under the current administration, Mexico has fallen behind in mobile spectrum availability for mass consumer services compared to other countries.
As of now, Mexico utilizes 500.9 MHz of spectrum licenses for mobile mass services, down from 660 MHz in December 2018. Brazil leads the region with 1,040.3 MHz of licenses in use and 70% of its population having access to 5G cellular coverage.
Motivated by this diagnosis, the CRT will embark on a tour of industrial hubs—Querétaro, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Mexicali, and Hermosillo—as well as Oaxaca and Mérida to present rural connectivity proposals. The tour begins on January 22 in Querétaro and concludes on March 10 in Baja California.
