Another step for Telecommunications and Competition Regulation in Mexico

On 7 October, the Senate received the proposals submitted by President Sheinbaum to appoint the five commissioners of the new telecommunications regulator, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (CRT), as well as the five commissioners of the new economic competition authority, the National Antimonopoly Commission (CNA).

The proposed appointments have staggered deadlines for completion between 2028 and 2032, in order to maintain continuity in the operation of the regulator and the competition authority.

Professional profiles for the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (CRT)

The candidates for the CRT have complementary profiles with individual strengths in the CRT’s various responsibilities: social coverage, audience protection, telecommunications regulation, spectrum use and satellite orbits, new technologies, digital transformation, and legal aspects of telecommunications. Among these candidates, one served outstandingly for 11 years at the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT), and another served for 15 years at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation.

Of the five candidates proposed for the CRT, four are women. Three are lawyers and two are engineers. Their professional experience ranges from 15 to 26 years. Three hold doctorates, one a master’s degree, and one a bachelor’s degree.

Four are part of the Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency (ATDT), the ministry to which the new regulator will report as a decentralised body. Therefore, good coordination between the regulator and this ministry is expected.

The proposed candidates are: Ledénika Mackensie Méndez González (2028), Mercedes Olivares Tresgallo (2029), Adán Salazar Garibay (2030), Tania Villa Trápala (2031), and Norma Solano Rodríguez (2032).

Continuity and new challenges for the National Antitrust Commission (CNA)

Of the proposals for the CNA, it’s notable that two candidates – Andrea Marván Saltiel (serving until 2028) and Ana María Reséndiz Mora (serving until 2029) – are currently commissioners at the Federal Economic Competition Commission (Cofece). This undoubtedly projects continuity in the competition authority’s work, which will face the challenge of incorporating the telecommunications market into its work.

The three profiles that complement President Sheinbaum’s proposal are: Oscar Alejandro Gómez Romero (2030), an economist with experience in competitiveness at the Ministry of Economy; Ricardo Salgado Perillat (2031), who has experience in telecommunications competition matters and in-depth legal knowledge; and Haydee Soledad Aragón Martínez (2032), a doctor in Social Sciences with a specialty in Sociology who has worked in labour and fostering employment.

Next Steps

The Senate will examine the proposals to establish the CRT and the CNA and is expected to confirm the appointments within 30 calendar days in every instance.

Once the Senate ratifies the commissioners, President Sheinbaum will appoint from among these individuals those who will serve for three years as Chairperson of the CRT and the CNA, respectively.

When this occurs and the collegiate bodies of the CRT and the CNA are duly integrated, the IFT and the Cofece will be dissolved, giving full effect to the Law on Telecommunications and Broadcasting and the reform to the Federal Law on Economic Competition, published on 16 July 2025.

Strategic takeaways

As the new regulatory framework takes shape, the integration of the CRT is anticipated to not only strengthen institutional capabilities but also foster innovation and promote equitable access to connectivity across all regions. This transition marks a pivotal shift, with the State assuming an active role in telecommunications, setting the stage for increased competition and the inclusion of underserved communities. By prioritising technological advancement and universal service, the CRT is poised to help bridge existing gaps, further aligning Mexico’s digital agenda with the evolving demands of the modern economy and society.

This broadened scope underscores the CNA’s commitment to adapting its regulatory approach to emerging markets and technologies, ensuring that oversight keeps pace with rapid industry evolution. In this context, the CNA will likely prioritise policies that bolster fair competition, safeguard consumer interests, and address the unique challenges posed by digital platforms, such as data privacy and market dominance. As these reforms advance, collaboration between the CNA and other regulatory bodies will be crucial to harmonising standards and fostering a competitive environment that encourages innovation and benefits all participants in Mexico’s digital economy.