Introduction to the New Regulatory Body
The newly established Comisión Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones (CRT), led by Norma Solano Rodríguez, began its operations on October 17, 2025. This new regulatory body replaces the previous Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones (IFT) and falls under the jurisdiction of the Agencia de Transformación Digital (ATDT). The CRT’s mission is to oversee radioelectric spectrum, satellite services, and telecommunications.
Contradictory Findings on Spectrum Costs
The CRT’s initial analysis of spectrum costs in Mexico has sparked controversy. According to the CRT, the cost of radioelectric spectrum in Mexico is 7% below the international average. This conclusion contradicts the findings of its predecessor, the autonomous IFT, which reported that costs for certain mobile telecommunications frequency bands exceeded international averages by 88% and 96% since 2023.
Impact on Industry Players
This discrepancy in cost assessments has real-world implications. Recently, companies like AT&T and Telefónica have decided to return parts or all of their radioelectric spectrum to the Mexican government due to high costs. As a result, tax revenue has dropped from 19,980 million pesos in 2019 to 16,776 million pesos in 2024. Moreover, the incentive to participate in auctions, such as the IFT-10 of 2021, has diminished.
Expert Opinion from The Competitive Intelligence Unit
Ernesto Piedras, head of The Competitive Intelligence Unit (CIU), criticizes the CRT’s cost comparison. According to CIU, several critical frequency bands remain significantly more expensive than international references: AWS/PCS, 2.5 GHz, and 3.5 GHz. CIU asserts that the current spectrum regime is among the most expensive globally and has eroded the tax base, discouraging spectrum ownership and hindering investment.
Government Priorities Amidst Spectrum Cost Controversy
President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo’s administration remains steadfast in its support for transferring exclusive cargo flights from Mexico City International Airport to Felipe Ángeles International Airport, citing it as a “sovereign and irrevocable decision.” Sheinbaum will meet with cargo companies operating at Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) on November 4 to discuss the impact of sanctions imposed by the US Department of Transportation (DOT).
- Question: The CRT’s analysis of spectrum costs in Mexico contradicts its predecessor, the IFT, and has been criticized by experts for potentially distorting reality.
- Question: Companies like AT&T and Telefónica have returned parts or all of their radioelectric spectrum to the Mexican government due to high costs.
- Question: The controversy has led to decreased tax revenue and reduced incentives for participating in auctions.
- Question: Sheinbaum’s administration supports transferring exclusive cargo flights from Mexico City International Airport to Felipe Ángeles International Airport, describing it as a sovereign and irrevocable decision.
