In July 2025, Mexico took a significant step in reshaping its telecommunications and broadcasting regulatory landscape. After 12 years of operation, the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) — an autonomous body established in 2013 — was officially replaced by the Commission for Telecommunications Regulation (CRT).

This major shift was set in motion with the publication of the Law on Telecommunications and Broadcasting in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) on July 16, 2025, as part of a broader reform that also created the Agency for Digital Transformation and Telecommunications (ATDT) and the National Antitrust Commission (CNA).

Effective Date and Transition

The new law entered into force on July 17, 2025, the day following its publication. However, the transition from the IFT to the CRT required the formal establishment of the CRT’s Plenary Board. On October 14, 2025, the Senate ratified the appointments of five commissioners who will lead the new regulatory body for terms ranging from three to seven years.

The appointed commissioners are:

Ledénika Méndez – 3-year term

María Olivares – 4-year term

Adán Salazar – 5-year term

Tania Villa – 6-year term

Norma Solano – 7-year term

With the Plenary officially in place, the IFT ceased operations on October 17, 2025. All of its functions, staff, and responsibilities were transferred to the CRT and the newly formed ATDT, marking a structural shift in how telecommunications and broadcasting are regulated in Mexico.

Mandate and Functions of the CRT

The CRT’s mission extends beyond simply replacing the IFT. It is designed to modernize and strengthen regulatory oversight in several critical areas, including:

• Allocation and management of radio spectrum and orbital resources, including satellite communications.

• Regulation of telecommunications and broadcasting infrastructure.

• Enforcement of competition rules within the telecom and broadcasting sectors, ensuring that dominant operators provide fair access and roaming services to competitors.

• Promotion of digital inclusion, with a particular focus on connecting more than 15 million Mexicans who currently lack reliable internet access.

The reform repeals the previous 2014 Federal Telecommunications and Broadcasting Law and redefines responsibilities: the ATDT will oversee national policy, while the CRT will focus on technical and regulatory supervision.

Implications for Certification and Regulatory Processes

For companies, telecom operators, broadcasters, and device manufacturers, the transition brings both continuity and change:

Continuity: All existing concessions, licenses, approvals, certifications, and ongoing regulatory processes under the IFT remain valid and legally protected. The CRT inherits all these responsibilities, ensuring no interruption in ongoing operations.

Change: The CRT is expected to update technical standards, internal procedures, and compliance requirements. This may involve changes to spectrum assignments, equipment certification protocols, and regulatory obligations. New documentation requirements, adjusted timelines, and revised audit procedures are likely to be introduced as the CRT consolidates its regulatory framework.

Strategic Impact and Outlook

This shift signals more than just a name change — it represents a structural transformation of how Mexico manages its telecommunications and broadcasting sectors. The creation of the CRT aims to:

• Enhance regulatory oversight and foster fair competition in markets historically dominated by a few large players.

• Expand access to digital services and accelerate nationwide connectivity.

• Streamline the management of next-generation technologies such as satellite networks and advanced spectrum usage.

• Strengthen consumer and audience protections in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

For industry stakeholders, the message is clear: existing certifications and authorizations remain valid, but proactive engagement with the CRT’s evolving regulations will be crucial. Monitoring new guidelines, adapting compliance strategies, and staying informed about technical changes will help ensure a smooth transition into this new regulatory era.

BACL’s Presence in Mexico

BACL has long supported global market access by providing testing, inspection, and certification services across telecommunications, wireless devices, and consumer electronics. With established operations in Mexico, BACL is strategically positioned to assist companies navigating this regulatory transition.

Our team in Mexico is prepared to support manufacturers, telecom operators, and technology providers with:

• Guidance on CRT certification processes and regulatory changes.

• Testing and homologation services aligned with Mexican standards.

• Expertise in managing both domestic and international compliance pathways, ensuring seamless entry into the Mexican market.

As the CRT begins its work, BACL continues to be a trusted partner for organizations seeking clarity, compliance, and confidence in one of Latin America’s most important telecommunications markets.

Source:

https://comunicacionsocial.diputados.gob.mx/index.php/notilegis/dof-publica-decreto-por-el-que-se-expide-la-nueva-ley-de-telecomunicaciones-y-radiodifusion?utm_source=chatgpt.com

BACL Services：

BACL can provide you efficient and reliable global market certification services, such as IECEE CB Scheme NCB and CBTL, United States(NRTL, FCC, ENERGY STAR), Canada(ISED, SCC), EU(CE), United Kingdom (UKCA AB & AOC), Northern Ireland(UKNI), Korea(KC), Japan(MIC), Singapore(IMDA),China Hong Kong(OFCA), China Taiwan (NCC, BSMI), Egypt (NTRA, GOEIC), South Africa(SABS), Vietnam (MIC), Saudi Arabia (SASO, CITC), Philippines (NTC), Thailand (NBTC), Malaysia (SIRIM), India(BIS, WPC, TEC)and other services to assure your products still smoothly entering into the international trade market even when the international trade barriers are becoming increasingly fierce.