**IFT Granted Concessions Before Closure: Sheinbaum Claims They Won’t Stand**
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the President, has come forward with claims that the Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT), as it faced closure, attempted to hastily issue a number of concessions. Sheinbaum stated that these actions were performed under a veil of secrecy and reassured that these measures would not be upheld.
She spoke out following the release of an administrative simplification decree in the Official Journal of the Federation last week, a decree that formalized the dissolution of autonomous bodies like the IFT. The institute was once responsible for regulating telecommunication networks and broadcasting services within Mexico.
Sheinbaum, without diving into many specifics, revealed, “The IFT handed out some last-minute concessions before closing. They tried to leave with a swift maneuver, but it will not be effective. We will soon detail their actions here.”
The President criticized those who opposed the dissolution of these autonomous organizations, denying accusations of authoritarianism. She countered, “If we were an authoritarian government, there would be no freedom of speech or assembly.”
Echoing sentiments previously expressed by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Sheinbaum contended that both IFT and the Federal Competition Commission (Cofece) failed in their roles to prevent monopolies, suggesting they were complicit in such matters. She also outlined that the Ministry of Economy will establish a decentralized body tasked with ensuring economic competition.
**Secondary Article: The Impact of IFT’s Closure on Mexico’s Telecommunications**
Following the controversial closure of Mexico’s Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT), stakeholders within the telecommunications industry are expressing apprehension about the future regulatory landscape. The IFT played a critical role in governing the expansive and rapidly evolving telecommunication frameworks across the country. With its dissolution, concerns are mounting about how new regulations will be implemented and enforced effectively.
Industry experts highlight that the absence of a specialized regulatory body could potentially lead to the unchecked growth of monopolies, stifling competition, and innovation. Attempts by the government to centralize regulatory duties under broader ministries may also face challenges due to a lack of specialized expertise and resources.
Furthermore, international observers and investors are particularly wary of the move, questioning how it might affect foreign investments and partnerships. The ongoing discourse emphasizes the need for transparent and efficient transition strategies that safeguard both industry growth and consumer interests.
The shift in regulatory oversight presents both potential risks and opportunities—while some advocate for a streamlined, more efficient model of governance, others worry about the loss of specialized oversight critical to the development of fair and competitive market conditions. The telecom industry, consumers, and government will closely watch how these changes unfold, with significant implications for Mexico’s digital economy on the horizon.