Mexico has regulated Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) for more than fifteen years. The first comprehensive regulation appeared in 2005 when the Executive Branch issued Regulations for resellers of telecommunications services. In 2013, however, the Federal Congress approved a major constitutional reform in the field of telecommunications, Internet and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Antitrust. Consequently, this reform further implemented by the enactment of a new Federal Law on Telecommunications and Broadcasting on July 14, 2014 (Telecommunications Law) has detailed the regulation of MVNOs.
Since the first regulation, Mexico has allowed MVNOs to operate as reseller, and the new Telecommunications Law did not modify this structure. To operate, an MVNO needs an authorization from the Federal Institute of Telecommunications (the Regulator). This authorization will allow to establish and operate or exploit an MVNO or reseller of telecommunications services without being a concessionaire of telecommunications (art 170). The Regulator grants authorizations for a ten-year period and may renew the authorization for similar periods provided that the MVNO applies for the renewal in time.
The Regulation of MVNOs in Mexico and the Future Ahead
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