**Primary Article:**
**Significant Setback with Reform to Eliminate IFT; Institution Contributes Over 180 Billion Pesos**
The Mexican Institute of Telecommunications (IFT) has deemed the legislative reform seeking its dissolution along with six other autonomous bodies as a “significant setback.” The IFT emphasized the need for “effective dialogue and analysis” to develop an institutional framework that fosters development, competition, inclusion, and plurality. This would aim to provide more people with access to telecommunications and broadcasting services.
Led by acting Chairman Javier Juárez Mojica, the IFT pointed out that since its inception, it has contributed 180.9 billion pesos to the national treasury while receiving only 17.7 billion pesos in budget allocations from 2014 to 2023. Furthermore, the agency has achieved savings for users equivalent to 805 billion pesos. Thus, for every peso allocated to its budget, the IFT has generated 44 pesos in social benefits.
The IFT also highlighted its efforts in administrative simplification, cost savings, and budget efficiency. Since its creation, the IFT’s budget has decreased in real terms by more than 40% compared to its 2014 budget. This counters the government’s claim that dissolving autonomous bodies would generate substantial savings.
Among tangible benefits for the public, the IFT noted that citizens now pay 32.1% less for communication services than they did eleven years ago, even though inflation has risen during this period. Between 2013 and 2023, internet users in Mexico increased from 45% to 81.2%, effectively adding 51 million new users who previously lacked access to the internet.
Currently, most fixed broadband connections exceed speeds of 50 Mbps, compared to only 8.1% of such high-speed connections in 2020. For the first time in the country’s history, frequencies have been allocated through open and transparent bidding processes to provide commercial broadcasting services. This has resulted in a new open television network and 244 new radio stations since the IFT’s establishment.
**Secondary Article:**
**Widespread Opposition to the Proposed Telecommunications Reform**
Numerous industry stakeholders and civic organizations have voiced their strong opposition to the proposed legislative reform that aims to dissolve the IFT and other autonomous bodies. According to recent reports, experts argue that eliminating these institutions would hinder Mexico’s progress in telecommunications and reduce regulatory efficiency.
Critics claim that the planned reforms are part of an effort to centralize governmental control, which could undermine the advancements achieved over the past decade. “The autonomous nature of the IFT has been crucial in fostering a competitive environment and ensuring unbiased oversight,” stated a telecommunications consultant.
Market analysts also warn that without the IFT, Mexico might experience a decline in foreign investment in the telecommunications sector. “Investors look for a stable and transparent regulatory environment, and removing the IFT would introduce uncertainty,” remarked an industry expert.
Additionally, international bodies such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) have expressed concerns over the potential reform, urging the Mexican government to reconsider the decision. The ITU stressed the importance of maintaining independent regulatory agencies to promote fair competition and innovation.
The proposed changes have sparked widespread debate, with many calling for a comprehensive review and a more inclusive decision-making process. The future of Mexico’s telecommunications landscape hangs in the balance as discussions continue among policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society representatives.