Major Restructuring Proposed for Mexico’s Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT)
The Mexican Gaceta Parlamentaria has published a report on a significant constitutional amendment proposal aimed at simplifying Mexico’s government structure. A central focus of this reform is the dissolution of the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT), transferring its regulatory functions directly to the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation.
If approved by the Chamber of Deputies on November 14, the proposal will advance to the Senate. Upon final approval, the transition will involve extensive changes, including the reallocation of the IFT’s responsibilities—such as spectrum management, broadcasting oversight, and economic competition enforcement—to the designated ministry. This process may begin immediately in regulatory areas, with the full operational transition potentially unfolding over the coming months and into the next year.
This reform underscores a major shift toward centralized oversight in Mexico’s telecommunications sector, with potential impacts on market competition, regulatory independence, and the IFT’s legacy of ensuring transparent practices in broadcasting and telecommunications.
Impact on Type Approval and Market Access Requirements? – Yes
Impact on Imports, Customs, Trade, or Market Surveillance? – Yes
Impact on Spectrum Management? – Yes
Impact on Technical Standards? – Yes