Who is Salomón Padilla and Why is He Relevant?
Salomón Padilla, a lawyer specializing in telecommunications and broadcasting, is the vice president of the Association of Independent Telecommunications of Mexico (ATIM). He recently gained attention from legislators in the Chamber of Deputies for his review of Mexico’s telephony and internet evolution over the past four decades.
The Current Context of Telecom Reform in Mexico
As Mexico navigates discussions on telecom reform, Padilla has raised concerns about the negative implications of having an executive power that acts as both regulator, promoter, legislator, provider, operator, competitor, and simultaneously, also a regulator. This stems from the current draft of the Telecommunications and Broadcasting Matters Law under discussion in the Senate.
Convergencia Show MX: A Renowned Telecom Forum
Convergencia Show MX, one of the three most prestigious telecom forums held annually in Mexico, has survived economic crises and the COVID-19 pandemic. Padilla is known for his direct comments in Mexico’s telecom sector, often leaving less experienced industry members at a disadvantage.
The Growth and Focus of Convergencia Show MX
Padilla initiated and has grown Convergencia Show MX over the years, making it one of the three top events alongside Conecta Latam and GSMA 360 Latam. The upcoming 2025 edition will kick off on June 26 in La Paz, Baja California Sur, with support from the Secretary of Tourism and Economy, Rosa Maribel Collins Sánchez. The event aims to promote business and relationships among telecom entrepreneurs rather than focusing on regulation, although several sector-related topics will be addressed.
Padilla and José Felipe Otero Muñoz to Present ALT
At its tenth edition, Convergencia Show MX will serve as a business space and a “bridge” for the Agency of Digital Transformation and Telecommunications (ATDT) to engage with the telecom industry. Padilla and José Felipe Otero Muñoz will formally introduce the Latin American Telecommunications Association (ALT) at the event.
Challenges in Organizing Telecom Forums in Mexico
Padilla discusses the difficulties in organizing telecom forums in Mexico, noting a decrease from six to eight events a decade ago to just four today. Some have moved to Chile, while others have been canceled due to unfavorable conditions.
Economic and Generalized Conditions
Padilla explains that the challenges are primarily economic and generalized, affecting the entire industry due to economic fluctuations, the 2020 health crisis, and slow recognition of these events’ value by some governments.
From Local to Regional: Convergencia Show MX’s Growth
Starting with 500 square meters of exhibition space, Convergencia Show MX has grown to over 5,000 square meters this year, becoming a regional event in Latin America. Attendees will come from Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and regulatory bodies from other regions.
Inviting Regulators to Convergencia Show MX
Padilla emphasizes that the ATDT and the Federal Institute of Telecommunications are invited to the event. He hopes their presence will foster a constructive dialogue between the industry and regulators.
Key Questions and Answers
- What makes organizing telecom forums in Mexico difficult? Padilla notes that despite the industry’s willingness to engage, unfavorable conditions have led to a decrease in events from six to eight a decade ago to just four today.
- What are the primary challenges? The main issues are economic and generalized, affecting the entire industry due to economic fluctuations, the 2020 health crisis, and slow recognition of these events’ value by some governments.
- How has Convergencia Show MX evolved? Starting with 500 square meters of exhibition space, it has grown to over 5,000 square meters this year and become a regional event in Latin America.
- Why is it important for regulators to attend Convergencia Show MX? Regulators should understand the industry’s concerns, as they have not engaged with smaller and medium-sized operators in the new telecom law. The event provides an opportunity for dialogue and learning about successful strategies in other countries.
