Telcel Disputes IFT’s Portability Figures for April 2025

Web Editor

May 16, 2025

a group of people walking past a building with a sign on it's side that says cia on it, Ceferí Oliv

Background on Telcel and its Significance

Telcel is one of Mexico’s leading telecommunications companies, operating under the América Móvil group. It provides mobile and fixed-line services to millions of customers across the country, making it a significant player in Mexico’s telecom sector. The company’s performance and accuracy of reported data are crucial for investors, competitors, and regulatory bodies like the Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones (IFT).

Disagreement Over Portability Data

Telcel has contested the portability user figures presented by the Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones (IFT) for April 2025. According to the IFT’s Banco de Información de Telecomunicaciones (BIT), Telcel allegedly lost 7,405 users due to numerical portability during that month.

Telcel’s Counterclaim

Telcel refuted the IFT’s claim, stating that their data shows a net gain of 135,748 users in April 2025. They consulted Mediafon, the administrator of Mexico’s portability database, to verify their figures.

Inconsistency Between Data Sources

Telcel highlighted the discrepancy between the IFT’s BIT and the official Base de Datos de Portabilidad (ABD) managed by Mediafon. The company emphasized that ABD is the authoritative source for portability-related information, to which concessionaires, authorized parties, and the IFT itself have access.

Impact on the Telecom Industry

The disagreement between Telcel and the IFT raises concerns about data accuracy in Mexico’s telecom sector. Reliable statistics are essential for making informed decisions, assessing market trends, and ensuring fair competition. Inaccurate data can mislead investors, affect regulatory policies, and create an uneven playing field for telecom companies.

Key Questions and Answers

  • Q: What is the dispute between Telcel and IFT about?

    A: Telcel disputes the IFT’s claim that it lost 7,405 users in April 2025 due to numerical portability. Telcel asserts that it gained 135,748 users during the same period, based on data from Mediafon, the administrator of Mexico’s portability database.

  • Q: Why is this disagreement significant?

    A: The discrepancy in portability user figures raises concerns about data accuracy in Mexico’s telecom sector. Reliable statistics are crucial for making informed decisions, assessing market trends, and ensuring fair competition.

  • Q: Who is Telcel, and why is it important?

    A: Telcel is a major telecommunications company in Mexico, operating under América Móvil. It offers mobile and fixed-line services to millions of customers, making it a significant player in the country’s telecom sector.

  • Q: What is the Base de Datos de Portabilidad (ABD)?

    A: The ABD, or Base de Datos de Portabilidad, is the official database for portability-related information in Mexico. It is managed by Mediafon and serves as the authoritative source for concessionaires, authorized parties, and regulatory bodies like the IFT.