Introduction
The telecom giants Telcel, AT&T, and Altán Redes, along with mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), face the challenge of registering more than 160 million cellular lines in Mexico by July 2026, including local and foreign numbers. This registration requirement stems from the new telecommunications law and federal policies aimed at combating crime.
President’s Vision for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on Monday that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be an opportunity to showcase the friendship and unity among North American nations. However, the mobile telephony registration system designed by the new telecommunications law and federal anti-crime policies may negatively impact Mexico’s friendliness towards visitors during the tournament.
Registration Challenges
The main concerns are the timelines set for registration and the increased workload, particularly for mobile companies. By July 2026, the telecommunications industry must register approximately 157 million cellular numbers in existence by November 2025, plus additional numbers for tourists visiting Mexico during the World Cup. The resources, human capital, finances, and available time may not be optimal for this massive undertaking.
Potential Solution: Calendar Extension
A possible solution could be extending some registration deadlines. The first critical date is November 27, 2025. Given the federal government’s track record in meeting announced deadlines for various initiatives, there is hope that the Comisión Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones (CRT) will evaluate extending the timeline to avoid difficulties for the estimated 6 million tourists, including many from the United States, where Mexico is already engaged in a telecommunications rivalry.
Expert Opinions
Isabel Reza, General Director of Regulatory Experts: Telecommunications and Broadcasting, points out that the registration regulation may not have considered the challenges posed by the FIFA World Cup, including associating lines for both Mexican and foreign users.
Regulatory Burden
Reza highlights that the mandatory registration, even for numbers acquired abroad, will be complex, costly, and time-consuming. Mexican numbers will be registered after the user’s CURP identity is validated, while foreigners must register with their entry documents. This will be the first national registration for telecom companies, requiring them to learn identity verification—a task outside their usual responsibilities.
Cost and Implications
The new telecommunications framework mandates that all cellular lines commercialized or in use in Mexico must be registered. This applies to numbers acquired abroad, with communication limited to emergencies and contact with service providers if not registered. The obligation implies that registration will not be straightforward, inexpensive, or quick.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the challenge faced by mobile carriers in Mexico? Mobile carriers, including Telcel, AT&T, Altán Redes, and MVNOs, must register over 160 million cellular lines by July 2026.
- Why is there a concern about the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico? The registration system’s timeline and increased workload may negatively impact the experience for approximately 6 million tourists.
- What is the proposed solution to address these challenges? Extending registration deadlines, as evaluated by the CRT, could alleviate potential difficulties for telecom companies and visitors.
- What are the implications of the new telecommunications registration requirements? The mandatory registration, even for foreign numbers, will be complex, costly, and time-consuming for telecom companies.
