Mexico’s Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) has modified the Annual Program for the Use and Exploitation of Frequency Bands for 2025. This adjustment reflects the country’s evolving telecommunications and broadcasting landscape and aims to promote competition, ensure efficient spectrum use, and enhance public access to information services.
These modifications are being implemented as part of broader regulatory shifts, following the December 2024 constitutional reform on organic simplification, which will dissolve the IFT within 180 days of secondary legislation taking effect. Until then, the institute retains full authority over frequency allocation decisions.
Regulatory Framework and Spectrum Allocation
The Mexican Constitution recognizes telecommunications and broadcasting as public services of general interest, requiring the government to guarantee their provision under conditions of competition, quality, universal coverage, and free access.
Under this framework:
- The Nation retains direct ownership of the radio spectrum, with private or public entities requiring a concession to use it.
- Concessions are granted via public bidding or direct assignment, ensuring fair distribution and preventing monopolistic control.
- The IFT must issue an annual frequency band program by December 31 each year, outlining the frequencies available for assignment or bidding.
These principles guide the 2025 modifications, which aim to balance public, commercial, private, and social spectrum usage.
Key Changes in the 2025 Frequency Band Program
The IFT reviewed hundreds of applications for new or modified frequency allocations. Based on these assessments, the updated program includes frequency assignments for:
Impact on Spectrum Management and Future Oversight
With the IFT’s dissolution pending, the new authority responsible for spectrum administration will ultimately oversee the long-term implementation of these modifications. However, the changes outlined in the 2025 program:
- Ensure continuity of service by maintaining legal validity of spectrum allocations.
- Facilitate future spectrum auctions for commercial and public broadcasting.
- Support digital transformation by prioritizing frequency assignments that enhance broadband and broadcasting infrastructure.
While these updates primarily affect allocations for 2025, they may also shape future bidding processes as Mexico transitions to a new regulatory structure for telecommunications and broadcasting.
For this article’s source information and any product certification guidance, please contact Global Validity.
Quick Country Facts
Mexico
Certification Body:
- Current Name: Agency for Digital Transformation and Telecommunications
- Previous Name: Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones (IFETEL)
Certification Type: Mandatory
License Validity: Indefinite
Application Language: Spanish
Legal License Holder: Importer
In-Country Testing Requirement: In-Country Testing
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