Introduction to the Comisión Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones (CRT)
The newly established Comisión Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones (CRT) under the Agencia de Transformación Digital y Telecomunicaciones has recently proposed substantial reductions in spectrum usage fees. The CRT, led by Norma Solano Rodríguez, aims to make Mexico’s radioelectric spectrum more affordable compared to the international average.
Skepticism Surrounding CRT’s Claims
The CRT’s assertions have sparked widespread skepticism within the telecommunications sector. Critics argue that the regulator failed to use consistent data sources, similar to those employed by the now-defunct Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones two years ago. This lack of uniformity undermines the validity of their calculations.
Furthermore, the proposed reductions in costs for fiscal year 2026 hinge on the approval of the Ley Federal de Derechos in the Cámara de Diputados. The CRT can only propose guidelines, while legislators will ultimately establish the new rules for applying discounts on spectrum usage fees.
Historical Context of High Tariffs and Frequency Returns
The skepticism is well-founded, given the numerous cases in recent years where concessionaires have returned their frequencies due to exorbitant tariffs. The CRT’s proposal aims to address these concerns by potentially offering up to 50% discounts on spectrum fees, subject to certain conditions.
CRT’s Head, José Antonio Peña Merino, Addresses Concerns
In an attempt to alleviate concerns, José Antonio Peña Merino, head of the Agencia de Transformación Digital y Telecomunicaciones, announced that discounts could reach up to 50% of the spectrum fees. However, these reductions would be contingent on companies extending their services to underserved areas.
“For the first time, we can offer up to 50% discounts on spectrum payments in exchange for expanding services to areas without existing infrastructure. There could also be significant discounts for the 5G spectrum auction,” Peña Merino stated.
Impact on Connectivity in Mexico
The question remains whether these reduced spectrum costs will lead to increased connectivity for Mexicans. Peña Merino asserted that these objectives should not be mutually exclusive, emphasizing that the CRT would not disrupt existing business models.
“This is a business that requires substantial deployment and investment,” he acknowledged. “Our efforts focus on modernizing government files and processes through projects like the CURP biométrica, mobile line management platforms, public records consolidation, and the Registro Nacional de Población’s purification.”
CRT’s Broader Initiatives
Beyond spectrum fee reductions, the CRT is tasked with several significant projects. These include implementing a Sistema Nacional de Pagos Digitales, similar to Brazil’s Pix system, and improving customs efficiency through inter-institutional collaboration.
Future Projects and Collaboration
Under Peña Merino’s leadership, the CRT plans to undertake additional projects such as a Sistema Nacional de Pagos Digitales, modeled after Brazil’s Pix system. The agency also aims to streamline customs processes and work closely with autonomous bodies to provide technical support for functional solutions tailored to each case.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Comisión Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones (CRT)? The CRT is a newly established regulatory body under the Agencia de Transformación Digital y Telecomunicaciones, responsible for overseeing Mexico’s telecommunications sector.
- Why are there concerns about the CRT’s proposed spectrum discounts? Skepticism arises from the regulator’s failure to use consistent data sources and the conditional nature of the proposed discounts.
- How might these spectrum discounts impact connectivity in Mexico? While the CRT aims to increase affordability, it remains uncertain whether these reductions will lead to greater connectivity for Mexicans.
- What other initiatives is the CRT undertaking? The CRT plans to implement a Sistema Nacional de Pagos Digitales, improve customs processes, and collaborate with autonomous bodies to provide technical support for tailored solutions.
