Mexico’s Spectrum Allocation: Strategy and Compliance

At Spektrum Metrics, we deliver clear, technical, and actionable spectrum ownership insights to support wireless planning across global markets. We’ve added Mexico to our portfolio of international capabilities, joining the United States, Canada, India, and Germany. This gives clients consistent spectrum allocation mapping across regions. It supports cross-border coordination, informed network deployment, and long-term strategic planning.

In Mexico, we interpret current regulatory frameworks and monitor changes under the country’s new telecommunications structure.  We also align deployments with both national regulations and global spectrum trends.

Understanding Spectrum Allocation in Mexico

Mexico’s regulatory environment is entering a new era. In July 2025, Mexico dissolved the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT). A new two-tier system took its place. The system includes the Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency (ATDT) and the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (CRT).

The ATDT now oversees policy, digital infrastructure, and public telecommunications projects. The CRT serves as the technical regulator, managing spectrum, concessions, licensing, and enforcement. This transition marks one of the most significant shifts in Mexico’s telecom governance in the last decade. It will shape how future auctions, licensing, and spectrum usage evolve.

Spectrum auctions continue to define how operators gain access to frequencies. Annual usage fees, or derechos de uso, govern how that access is maintained.

The major spectrum users in Mexico are Telcel (América Móvil), AT&T México, and Movistar (Telefónica México). Telcel dominates both in subscriber numbers and spectrum holdings. AT&T México grew after acquiring Iusacell and Nextel. Movistar operates mainly through network sharing or leased infrastructure from AT&T and Telcel.

Mexico is rapidly expanding 5G spectrum coverage. Telcel launched commercial 5G services in early 2022 across major cities. AT&T and Movistar continue to roll out service in urban areas. High annual spectrum fees and regulatory costs still limit investment and slow rural expansion.

Mexico freed certain bands for unlicensed use. The IFT classified the 5,925–6,425 MHz segment in the 6 GHz range as free spectrum. This allows WiFi-6E and other emerging services to operate without a full concession.

Mexico in a Global Context

When we compare Mexico to countries like India, Germany, Canada, and the U.S., several similarities and differences stand out. Both Mexico and India rely on centralized regulatory systems, though Mexico is now transitioning to a dual-agency model.

Both Mexico and India impose high spectrum-usage fees that influence operator strategies and long-term investment models. They both are working to expand 5G networks quickly, but their licensing frameworks and deployment timelines differ. This is based on domestic priorities and regulatory conditions.

Mexico charges higher recurring fees than many other markets. These fees shrink margins for new entrants and strain operators focused on lower-ARPU customers. Auction timing, license conditions, and fee schedules in Mexico demand more careful financial planning than in many other countries.

Regulators and operators in Mexico can learn from other nations. Examples include how they license private and industrial networks, share spectrum, and expand access in underserved areas. 

At the same time, Mexico offers lessons of its own. It treats spectrum as a public resource and promotes both regulatory certainty and competitive balance. This approach offers a model other countries can study. 

Supporting Long-Term Spectrum Strategy in Mexico

Planning wireless network deployment in Mexico demands both deep knowledge of domestic regulatory mechanics and awareness of international harmonization. Spektrum Metrics offers services that aid clients in navigating both of those dimensions.

Our service offerings include custom regulatory briefings addressing IFT licensing frameworks, annual usage fees, and requirements for spectrum auctions. We provide technical reports on band use, carriage capacity, interference risks, and feasibility of deploying private or enterprise networks. 

We track regulatory updates from IFT and related government bodies to ensure projects stay compliant with evolving spectrum policy. We assist with cross-border and regional frequency coordination for mobile services, satellite, and shared-use networks. Our focus is on areas where spectrum borders meet and where coordination challenges arise. 

In Latin America, evaluating frequency band coexistence, license conditions, and technical requirements is essential. Spektrum Metrics helps clients use this analysis to plan deployments that deliver strong performance while meeting regulatory requirements.

Connect with Spektrum Metrics

If your organization is launching or expanding in Mexico’s wireless services market, Spektrum Metrics provides expert guidance. We help ensure your spectrum strategy meets regulatory requirements, remains financially sound, and delivers efficient deployment.

Contact us to explore how we can support your Mexico spectrum planning and implementation.