Telecommunications Reform: implications and structural changes
The Board of Directors of the Chamber of Deputies, headed by Sergio Gutiérrez Luna, formally received the minutes of the Telecommunications Law, a legal instrument that introduces substantial modifications to the regulatory framework for communications in Mexico. Among its most controversial provisions are the power to geolocate mobile devices in real time without prior judicial requirement, as well as mechanisms to interrupt radio and television transmissions under allegations of violation of audience rights.
Institutional reconfiguration and new powers
The legislative project, made up of 299 articles and 32 transitional provisions, proposes the extinction of the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) and its replacement by the Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency (ATDT). This body will assume expanded powers in supervision of the radio spectrum, critical infrastructure and user protection. At the same time, the minutes were received to create the National Antitrust Commission, an entity that will absorb the functions of the defunct Cofece, with a government structure made up of five commissioners appointed by the federal Executive.
According to preliminary analyses, the regulations seek to balance three strategic axes:
- Technological modernization of the sector
- Protection of constitutional rights in digital environments
- Strengthening state capacities for crisis intervention
Experts in digital law have pointed out that the provision on geolocation could contravene principles established in article 16 of the constitution, which regulates the right to privacy. Data from INEGI reveal that 89% of the Mexican population over 12 years of age uses mobile devices, which amplifies the potential impact of this measure.
Control mechanisms and legislative debate
Gutiérrez Luna affirmed that the parliamentary analysis will be carried out with “strict adherence to transparency protocols”, although civil organizations such as Article 19 have demanded the immediate publication of the complete opinion. Historically, similar reforms in countries such as Germany and Canada have required safeguard clauses to prevent abuses, including ex post judicial oversight and time limits on interventions.
The chapter on audience rights incorporates concepts from the current Federal Telecommunications and Broadcasting Law, but expands the causes for content suspension. This has generated concern among journalists’ associations, who fear an inhibitory effect on freedom of expression. Statistics from the CNDH show that 73% of complaints about censorship in digital media between 2020-2024 involved state authorities.
Are you interested in knowing how this reform will affect telecommunications users? Share this analysis on your social networks and follow our special on digital regulation. To delve deeper into the topic, explore our coverage on personal data protection in the age of artificial intelligence.




