Introduction to the Mexican Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
The Comisión Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones (CRT), Mexico’s telecommunications regulatory authority, recently announced its plan to put the 600 MHz radiofrequency band up for auction for 5G telecommunications services in 2026. This move marks the first-ever 5G spectrum auction in Mexico, which the CRT is legally obligated to publicize by January of the following year.
Details of the 2026 Annual Program for Frequency Band Usage and Exploitation
The CRT approved the 2026 Annual Program for Usage and Exploitation of Frequency Bands (PABF), which includes the 600 MHz band for telecommunications alongside spectrum allocation in the 10 GHz and 37 GHz bands. Some licenses for traffic relief have already been granted for these higher-frequency bands.
The 600 MHz Band: Background and Benefits
The 600 MHz band, consisting of 70 megahertz, was recovered during Mexico’s “second digital dividend” in 2015. The former Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT) reorganized the radiofrequency spectrum previously used for 306 open-air television channels across 93 cities. This spectrum was intended for future mobile services with higher value, such as 5G.
The 600 MHz band’s technical characteristics provide valuable coverage with minimal investment in radio base infrastructure. It can also support advanced services in both production and mass consumption sectors.
Challenges with the 600 MHz Band
However, there are challenges. Altán Redes already operates the 700 MHz band, which has similar technical properties and broader global usage. Additionally, Telcel and AT&T already hold licenses for coverage-oriented bands like 800 MHz and 850 MHz.
Previous Attempts to Auction 5G Spectrum
In 2023, amidst unfavorable national economic conditions, the IFT considered auctioning 5G licenses only for the 600 MHz and 3.5 GHz bands. The latter still faced an issue with a dependent entity under the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation holding an unused 50 megahertz band beneficial for mobile industry.
The IFT’s plans were thwarted by the new federal government’s demands to halt any mobile spectrum auctions. These attempts eventually ceased at the start of 2025.
CRT’s Current Announcement
Now, the CRT has announced that the 600 MHz band will be part of its 5G plan.
“The plan includes the 10 GHz and 37 GHz bands for wireless fixed services, enabling high-capacity, low-latency links suitable for urban and suburban transportation networks with high traffic demand. The 600 MHz band for wireless access, due to its propagation and coverage characteristics, will facilitate the deployment of 5G services nationwide.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the 600 MHz band, and why is it significant? The 600 MHz band is a radiofrequency spectrum with 70 megahertz, recovered during Mexico’s digital dividend process. Its technical characteristics provide valuable coverage with minimal infrastructure investment, making it suitable for deploying 5G services.
- Who currently uses the 700 MHz band, and what are the implications? Altán Redes currently operates the 700 MHz band, which has similar technical properties and broader global usage. This could pose challenges in terms of economies of scale when considering the 600 MHz band for auction.
- Why was there a delay in auctioning 5G spectrum previously? The IFT’s attempts to auction 5G spectrum in 2023 and 2025 were halted by demands from the new federal government to cease any mobile spectrum auctions.
- What are the benefits of including the 600 MHz and 37 GHz bands in the 5G plan? The 600 MHz band’s coverage characteristics will facilitate 5G service deployment, while the 10 GHz and 37 GHz bands will enable high-capacity, low-latency links for urban and suburban transportation networks with high traffic demand.
