Mexico's Chamber of Deputies formally passed the new Telecommunications and Broadcasting Law on 16 July, replacing the law enacted in 2014. The law took effect the following day, 17 July, marking a major overhaul of Mexico's telecom regulatory system.

Regulatory changes

Under the new law Mexico will dissolve the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFETEL) and create two new regulators:

1. The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (CRT), an independent technical body responsible for licensing telecom services, approving concessions and protecting consumer rights. Its independent status reflects Mexico's determination to make telecom regulation more professional and less politicised.

2. The Agency for Digital Transformation and Telecommunications (ATDT), unlike the CRT a government body, focusing on telecom policy, digital infrastructure and nationwide internet access. Its creation highlights the government's wish to play a more active role in the digital economy.

Impact on industry

- licences already issued by IFETEL remain valid, but subsequent approvals will be handled by the CRT;

- the ATDT will lead the implementation of national programmes such as Internet for All;

- the new bodies may issue supporting implementation rules during their early operation.

The reform has three clear objectives: first, to update the legal framework so that regulation can accommodate 5G, the Internet of Things and other emerging technologies; second, to narrow the digital divide so that internet services reach all citizens; and third, to strengthen the government's guiding role in the digital economy and provide institutional support for national digital transformation.