Antonio Casares is a Partner, Eurídice Palma and Jorge Aviles are Associates in Holland & Knight's Mexico City office.

The following announcements were made by public government authorities in July 2017 regarding Mexico's telecommunications sector:

Change of Frequency Band

The plenary of the Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT) approved the plan for frequency band 470-608 and the decree for the change of frequency band 470-512 MHz to the frequency band 450-470 MHz. The purpose is to allow the use of new technology, in particular applications for the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) systems. The decree grants any concessionary with a license for frequency band 470-512 MHz a total of 25 working days for accepting the change.

Amendments to the Organic Statute of the IFT

The IFT published the decree with amendments to its Organic Statute. The purpose of these amendments are to enhance the efficiency on the exercise of its investigation authorities and to promote gender equity.

General Criteria for Potential Backbone Network Project Bids

Telecomm, a Mexican government agency, released the general criteria for a potential bid for the development and expansion of the Backbone Network Project (Red Troncal). Telecomm's purpose is to receive feedback from all interested parties on this project such as telecomm operators, mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), investors, equipment providers, education organizations, industry chambers and associations.

Consultation for the Draft of Technical Provision IFT-011-2017, Part 2

The IFT has released a consultation for the draft technical provision of IFT-011-2017, Part 2 (Mobile Terminal Equipment for frequency bands 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 1900 MHz, 2100 MHz and/or 2500 MHz). The purpose is to set forth the technical specifications of this equipment and the testing methods to verify the compliance with such specifications.

The consultation period ends on Aug. 12, 2017.

Consultation Regarding the Public Offers of Infrastructure

The IFT has released a consultation for the public offers of infrastructure submitted by the preponderant economic agent in the broadcasting sector. The purpose is 1) to obtain more elements to determine the conditions for approving the public offer, and 2) promote transparence and citizens participation as well as receive stakeholders comments.

The consultation period ends on Aug. 12, 2017.

Consultation Regarding Spectrum Need

The IFT has released a consultation for the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMTs) between 24.25 GHz and 86 GHz in Mexico. The principal goals are to 1) set basis for designing an ad hoc spectrum policy for Mexico, 2) identify possible areas of interest to anticipate future demand of services for broadband applications in Mexico, and 3) have elements for deciding an institutional position regarding item 1.13 of the World Radiocommunications Conference 2019 agenda.

The consultation period ends on Aug. 24, 2017.

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