Background on Key Entities
The Comisión Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones (CRT) of Mexico, established in October 2025, is the new regulatory authority for telecommunications and broadcasting in Mexico. Meanwhile, the Comisión Interamericana de Telecomunicaciones (Citel), an OEA entity, promotes telecommunications and ICT development across the Americas, involving 35 member countries and over 200 associated members.
Citel’s Action Following CRT Request
On this morning, the Citel communicated in its WhatsApp groups that, at the request of the Mexican CRT, all individuals who had previously worked for the Mexican government were to leave the group.
Citel’s executive secretary, Oscar León, wrote in both English and Spanish: “At the request of the Mexican CRT, we appreciate if former government officials who are no longer part of the Mexican government remove themselves from this group. Additionally, we ask that those who are not members of Member or Associate States also withdraw from the group.”
Impact and Reactions
Mexico is the fourth-largest contributor to the Organization of American States (OEA), which supports Citel. In 2026, Mexico will contribute approximately 9.3% of the OEA’s $93 million budget, totaling around $8.65 million. The United States contributes 49.9% of the OEA’s budget.
A former southwest American minister commented, “If the intention is to foster regional dialogue, I don’t see why take such positions. Thanks to the Mexican CRT, now they’re going to exclude me from that list.” An ex-director of an international organization echoed similar sentiments.
The WhatsApp group in question has 291 members, not all active. Among them are two former officials who worked for the Mexican state during the now-defunct Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT).
One of these ex-officials has already left the group, expressing gratitude for Citel’s institutional stance.
Context and Implications
This WhatsApp group serves as a platform for communication among officials, ex-officials, and analysts who monitor the telecommunications industry’s developments.
The CRT has previously caused controversy in these communication channels. Shortly after its formation, the regulatory body was discussed in these groups following the release of a report on radiofrequency spectrum, claiming that frequencies are cheaper in Mexico compared to the international average.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the CRT? The Comisión Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones (CRT) is Mexico’s regulatory authority for telecommunications and broadcasting, established in October 2025.
- What is the Citel? The Comisión Interamericana de Telecomunicaciones (Citel) is an OEA entity promoting telecommunications and ICT development across the Americas, involving 35 member countries and over 200 associated members.
- Why were Mexican government officials removed from Citel’s WhatsApp groups? At the request of the Mexican CRT, individuals who had previously worked for the Mexican government were asked to leave Citel’s WhatsApp groups.
- What is Mexico’s contribution to the OEA? Mexico contributes approximately 9.3% of the OEA’s $93 million budget, totaling around $8.65 million in 2026.
- How have industry professionals reacted to this development? Former officials and analysts have expressed concern over the potential stifling of dialogue by excluding differing opinions.
