Introduction to the New Telecommunications Registry
In its inaugural week of operation, the newly established mobile phone registry managed to link 2.1 million cellular lines with the identities of their respective users, according to the Mexican Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (CRT).
Registration Details
From January 9 to 15, the registration process validated 2,151,802 cellular numbers, averaging approximately 307,400 lines per day.
Understanding the Scope
The current volume of registered lines does not directly equate to the number of individuals who have associated their identities with these cellular numbers. A single user can register up to ten lines, and there are also corporate cellular accesses used by legal entities.
Industry estimates suggest that around 930,000 lines should be linked daily to an individual’s identity to meet the goal of registering all active numbers (approximately 160 million) in the market within 172 days, as mandated by the regulatory authority.
Operator Responses
Movistar, one of the four major service providers, reported that the registration process is progressing gradually with active clients visiting service centers and utilizing their website. Their priority is ensuring a secure and efficient process for all customers.
Altán Redes, a major wholesale operator serving over a hundred retail operators, stated that the registration process is in its initial implementation phase, with information being consolidated as it advances. Their platform is operating normally and ready to support operators in meeting the outlined guidelines.
Telcel and AT&T did not respond to inquiries. The regulatory authority announced that telecommunications companies will set up a consultation platform within two weeks.
Background and Implications
In Mexico, a new telecommunications legal framework and a federal security initiative to combat organized crime led to the creation of a national mobile phone line registry. This means each cellular line must be obligatorily associated with a physical or legal person using the CURP (Unique Registry of Population) of users.
Technical challenges emerged from the start of the registration process on January 9. These issues translate to an additional cost of 3.5 pesos (plus VAT) for each of the three possible attempts, currently borne by the companies. For users, this means a mandatory visit to their service provider’s customer care center if they fail to remotely register their number.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the new mobile phone registry in Mexico? It’s a national database that links each cellular line to a physical or legal person using their CURP, as part of new telecommunications regulations and security measures against organized crime.
- How many lines were registered in the first week? Approximately 2.1 million cellular lines were linked to user identities from January 9 to 15.
- What are the daily registration targets? The industry estimates aim for around 930,000 lines to be associated with individual identities daily to meet the registration goal of 160 million active lines by June 30.
- How are major telecom companies responding? Movistar and Altán Redes are managing the process gradually, ensuring security and efficiency. Telcel and AT&T have not yet provided specific details.
- What are the costs and user implications? Companies incur an additional 3.5 pesos (plus VAT) per registration attempt, while users must visit service centers if they cannot register remotely.
