Introduction to the New LMTR and Its Requirements
The new Telecommunications and Broadcasting Regulatory Law (LMTR), effective since July 17, 2025, has incorporated provisions in articles 103 and 164 that reintroduce the obligation to present an official identification containing the CURP (Unique Registry of Population) for activating and using a mobile line. This measure aims to ensure security, prevent fraud, and provide certainty in mobile service contracts.
The Missing Regulatory Body: The Comisión Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones (CRT)
However, over three months since the LMTR’s implementation, the regulation remains ineffective due to the absence of the Comisión Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones (CRT), the regulatory body responsible for issuing guidelines and verifying compliance. According to Article 30 of the LMTR, the CRT must issue necessary guidelines for registration within 120 working days following the law’s enactment, by December 31, 2025.
Potential Consequences of Delayed Guidelines
Should the CRT fail to issue these guidelines by the deadline, the regulation risks becoming inoperative or applied inconsistently and arbitrarily, affecting both users and operators. This situation could create barriers to accessing mobile services for various segments of the population, including young people, migrants, those in remote areas, informal workers, and individuals with CURP name or duplication issues.
Data Protection Concerns
Furthermore, there are legitimate concerns about the protection of personal data. Given Mexico’s history of data breaches in public and private databases, users may be skeptical about how their information will be stored and safeguarded.
Impact on Mobile Operators
For mobile operators, the line registration implies additional costs and responsibilities. They will need to develop or adapt verification and registration systems, establish secure document collection protocols, and train their staff. This challenge is significant for both large companies and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), which rely on narrow margins and agile registration models.
MVNOs, which offer affordable services as a competitive alternative, may lose their growing preference if forced to bear such regulatory burdens. The obligation to verify users’ identities could delay SIM sales in convenience stores or digital channels, reducing their appeal compared to traditional operators.
Uncertainty Surrounding Application
Although the spirit of the registration aims to combat identity theft, extortion, and other crimes linked to anonymous mobile line usage, its unclear implementation generates uncertainty. The risks of hindering digital inclusion, increasing MVNO operational costs, and exposing vulnerabilities in personal data management cannot be overlooked.
While a pilot project is underway to develop clear guidelines, time is running out. The CRT must be established, and the guidelines issued before the December 31, 2025 deadline to avoid further uncertainty for users and operators.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the new LMTR? The Telecommunications and Broadcasting Regulatory Law (LMTR) is a regulation effective since July 17, 2025, requiring official identification with CURP for activating mobile lines.
- Why is the CRT crucial? The Comisión Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones (CRT) is responsible for issuing guidelines and verifying compliance with the LMTR, which has not yet been established.
- Who is affected by this regulation? Various segments of the population, including young people, migrants, those in remote areas, informal workers, and individuals with CURP name or duplication issues, may face barriers to accessing mobile services.
- What are the data protection concerns? Users are worried about how their personal information will be stored and safeguarded, given Mexico’s history of data breaches.
- How will this regulation impact mobile operators? Operators, especially MVNOs, face additional costs and responsibilities, such as developing verification systems and training staff.
- What are the risks of delayed guidelines? Without clear guidelines, there is a risk of hindering digital inclusion, increasing MVNO operational costs, and exposing vulnerabilities in personal data management.
