Last review: November, 2024
Banobras offers interested parties information on the sector in Mexico with data from various sources in order to provide knowledge on the subject and useful elements for decision-making at the sectoral level. The content presented does not reflect the position of Banobras.
Current status
The Telecommunications sector is undergoing a global transformation towards a transversal dimension for the development and provision of digital services and content in society. At the same time, this sector is becoming a generator of digital inclusion and closing the social gap, under the broad concept of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).[1]
In Mexico, the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT) is in charge of the sector, responsible for fulfilling the attributions regarding telecommunications and technological development.
Public Shared Telecommunications Network
On November 14, 2024, the Mexican Government presented the new Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency, which is expected to start operations in January 2025. The powers of the telecommunications policy will be transferred to the Agency, which are currently part of the SICT.
The main mission will be to digitize the procedures that are currently carried out in person. Among the first actions will be the creation of Llave MX, as a digital identity mechanism, since it will contain an electronic file that will simplify procedures and guarantee a single entry to all government platforms. Meanwhile, with the National Public Technology Center, the model can be expanded to states and municipalities to generate citizen solutions.
The reason for the creation of this institution is to unify the technological capabilities of the Mexican Government for its better use, generating technological autonomy and promoting technological solutions from within the public administration.
The Agency’s work will focus on seven points:
- To make the procedures that exist in person available digitally.
- Minimize the regulatory burden on individuals and companies.
- Generate savings and opportunity for zero corruption.
- Create the Center of Attention for Well-Being (CABI), through the 079 number, which provides citizen attention 24 hours a day.
- Implement intelligence and data analysis to strengthen public capacities.
- Technological autonomy and information security.
- Internet as a right.
To meet these objectives, two organizational pillars will be implemented:
- Digital Transformation: which will be dedicated to the simplification and digitalization of procedures with the MX Key, to the management of the new Welfare Attention Center which is the unique attention number; to the technological dictamination that will be in charge of the approval of contracts to avoid abuses, cost overruns and that resources can be reused.
- Digital Public Infrastructure: enabling area in which software manufacturing, technological infrastructure, data centers and analysis, cybersecurity and telecommunications policy will be carried out.
The General Law of Regulatory Improvement will be replaced by the Law of Simplification and Digitalization, which contemplates the reduction of procedures, requirements and solution times.
Additionally, the following actions will be developed and implemented:
- Software Factory: to guarantee technological autonomy and generate its own developments with the help of Mexican engineers, mathematicians, mathematicians, physicists and physicists graduated from public schools.
- Public Digitalization Platform: to speed up procedures in terms of time and cost.
- The Mexican Space Program: with the objective of putting a new seasonal satellite into orbit by 2027-2028, with the support of the Ministry of Science, Humanities, Technology and Innovation (Secihti); CABI and the National Center for Public Technology.
- Federal Simplification Program: will reduce by half the more than 7,000 federal procedures and will help 80 percent of frequencies to be digitalized.
- National Investment Window: associated with the Welfare Poles, it will guarantee that the investment complies with all the procedures of the three levels of government.
- Consular Services: will reduce the number of procedures carried out by Mexicans abroad from 59 to 45 and certify that the resolution time is almost immediate.
- Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris): 353 procedures will be reduced by half, with a resolution time of 54 to 20 days.
- Passport processing: the number of requirements will be reduced by half.
- Water Procedures Window
- Public Procurement System
- Agrarian Procurator’s Office and Proof of Validity of Rights.
- Digital Health Record
[1] Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones, Estrategia IFT 2020-2025
Decentralized entities coordinated by the SICT
- The purpose of Financial for Welfare (FINABIEN) is to provide public telegraph services, domestic and international wire transfers, financial services, radiotelegraphy, telecommunications and financing. In October 2022, by presidential decree, published in the Federal Official Gazette (DOF), Telecomm was transformed into FINABIEN.
- The mission of the a Mexican Space Agency (AEM) is to transform Mexico into a country with scientific activities and technological developments in space, oriented to meet social needs, and articulated with industrialization and service programs in frontier technologies, which contribute to increase the country’s competitiveness.
- The Telecommunications Investment Promotion Agency (PROMTEL) aims to contribute to improving the coverage and quality of internet and telephone services, supervising the installation of the Shared Network and promoting investments for telecommunications infrastructure deployment projects.
The Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) is an autonomous body whose purpose is the efficient development of telecommunications and broadcasting, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and the laws within the scope of its responsibility. It is responsible for regulating, promoting and supervising the use, development and exploitation of the radio electric spectrum, networks and the provision of telecommunications and broadcasting services (T&R) in Mexico, as well as access to infrastructure and other essential inputs, contributing to guarantee the right to information and universal access to such services. It is also the authority in matters of economic competition in the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors.
CFE Telecoms and Internet for All is a productive subsidiary of the CFE, with legal personality and its own assets, which provides telecommunications services. Its objective is to install wireless Internet throughout the country, in highways, public squares, health centers, hospitals, schools and community spaces to contribute to the fight against marginalization, the integration of depressed areas to productive activities and the closing of the digital gap with respect to opportunities for access to information and communication technologies for all people, giving priority to those who are isolated from telecommunications.
PROMTEL makes available to the public the spatial data viewer where you can see the coverage maps of the Shared Network showing the project’s coverage progress.
Institutional Arrangement
In terms of infrastructure, Mexico has a defined strategy that offers investors medium and long-term visibility regarding the development of projects, through a series of plans and programs of national and sectorial scope. To access the information, please consult the following documents:
Communications and Transportation Sector Program 2020-2024
Institutional Program 2020-2024 of Telecommunications of Mexico
Institutional Program 2020-2024 of Financial for Wellbeing
National Radio Spectrum Program 2022-2024
Organizational Structure
Description of the hierarchy and roles of the different entities and actors involved in the sector, including how the different institutions and agencies coordinate and collaborate.
The Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT) is in charge of the sector, responsible for fulfilling the attributions regarding telecommunications and technological development.
Decentralized agency of the SICT that provides basic telecommunication, telegraph and financial services to the population, government agencies and companies throughout the country.
The MEXSAT System is an integral satellite communications system of high technology and complexity integrated by specialized state-of-the-art equipment, which allows the provision of satellite capacity and services in the national territory, patrimonial sea and regions surrounding the nation (Central America and northern South America).
Decentralized public entity in charge of using space science and technology to meet the needs of the Mexican population and generate high value-added jobs, promoting innovation and development of the space sector; contributing to the competitiveness and positioning of Mexico in the international community, in the peaceful, efficient and responsible use of space.
It is an autonomous entity whose purpose is the efficient development of telecommunications and broadcasting, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and the laws within the scope of its responsibility. It is responsible for regulating, promoting and supervising the use, development and exploitation of the radio electric spectrum, networks and the provision of telecommunications and broadcasting services (T&R) in Mexico, as well as access to infrastructure and other essential inputs, contributing to guarantee the right to information and universal access to such services. It is also the authority in matters of economic competition in the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors.
The Mexican Government presented the new Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency, whose main mission will be to digitalize the procedures that are currently carried out in person. To this end, Llave MX will be created, a new digital authentication mechanism that will speed up the processing of a procedure. In addition, he stressed that all the projects of this new agency will benefit those who reside in Mexican territory, but also for Mexican nationals living abroad.
Decentralized public entity in charge of contributing to improve the coverage and quality of Internet and telephony services, supervising the installation of the Shared Network and promoting investments for telecommunications infrastructure deployment projects.
The purpose of CFE Telecoms and Internet for All is to provide telecommunications services, on a not-for-profit basis, to guarantee the right of access to information and communication technologies, including broadband and internet. As well as the ability to provide technological goods and services including the development of computer and telecommunications systems, as well as any other goods related to the development and support of such systems.
Coordination of the National Digital Strategy – Internet For All
The priority program “Internet for All” is part of the “Economy” axis of the National Development Plan (PND) 2019-2024 and aims to enable the integration of the population to the Internet and mobile technology in the national territory, extending financial inclusion and ensuring the possibility of bringing social welfare programs directly to the beneficiaries. This project considers 4 major deployments with which it seeks to achieve the goal of coverage in Mexico.
Legal system
The compilation of international treaties, laws, regulations, decrees, agreements and federal, state and municipal provisions shown here are for informational purposes and for ease of reference:
SICT
Public Shared Telecommunications Network
Investment Cycle
The following section provides an overview of the project development process from initial planning to final execution.
Planning
Based on the objectives and strategies defined in the National Development Plan, as well as the Transportation and Communications Infrastructure Investment Program 2019-2024, the SICT prepares short, medium and long-term sector programs for the development of infrastructure related to communications.
Identification
The SICT identifies the needs of the sector to carry out communications infrastructure projects to be developed.
Structuring
SICT prepares, on its own or with the support of external consultants, the studies and analyses necessary for the development of communications projects.
Registration
The SICT sends to the SHCP’s Investment Unit the request for registration in the portfolio of highway projects that require federal public resources from the Federal Expenditure Budget (PEF).
Prioritization
Projects requiring federal budgetary resources must be analyzed by the Comisión Intersecretarial de Gasto Público, Financiamiento y Desincorporación (CIGFD), which determines the relationship for their inclusion in the PEF. The CIGFD prioritizes such projects based on i) socioeconomic profitability; ii) reduction of extreme poverty; iii) regional development; and iv) concurrence with other investment programs and projects.
Authorization
Projects requiring federal funds are authorized by the Chamber of Deputies.
The Investment Unit (UI) will issue an economic feasibility report for those projects that do not require public resources.
Promotion
By SICT, on behalf of the General Directorate of Telecommunications and Radiofusion Policy.
Bidding
It is carried out by the SICT and/or IFT* through the CompraNet portal, for certain projects, it can be monitored through special project web pages.
*(Under review)
Financing
There are several sources of financing depending on the particular characteristics and financial structuring of each project, such as: PEF, National Bank of Public Works and Services (BANOBRAS), National Bank of Foreign Trade (BANCOMEXT), commercial banks, developers and institutional and private investors.
Execution and Operation
The project developers are responsible for the proper execution of the project as well as its operation under the supervision of the SICT and the IFT* as the regulatory body.
*(Under review)
Projects
Information on new projects (pre-investment, bidding and execution) and in operation within the Mexico Projects Hub platform, which at some stage of the project were considered investment opportunities and do not necessarily have Banobras / Fonadin participation.
New Projects
Project | Sector | Subsector | Stage | Sustainability | With Ally Networks |
0947 Segments of the radio spectrum for the provision of wireless access services | Telecommunications | Telecommunications Network | Preinvestment | No | No |
0940 Land Complementary Service of the Mobile Satellite Service | Telecommunications | Telecommunications Network | Bidding | No | No |
Projects in Operation
Project | Sector | Subsector | Stage | Sustainability | With Ally Networks |
0369 Public Shared Telecommunications Network | Telecommunications | Telecommunications Network | Operation | Yes | Yes |
Banobras / Fonadin
Project Finance: In order to support the financing of infrastructure projects and public services, the Project Finance Unit structures financing supported by the granting of loans and guarantees to those projects developed as Public-Private Partnerships and which have their own source of payment from the exploitation of the concession or public contract or from the collection of the service in question. The Public-Private Partnership schemes may be Federal and/or Local, in their different modalities, such as: Concessions, Service Provision Projects (PPS) or Financed Public Works Contracts, among others.- The Platform has more than 600 investment opportunities in all its stages, with visits from more than 180 countries and more than 40,000 users per month.
Financing for States and Municipalities and Decentralized Public Organizations: The products and services we offer are designed to meet the infrastructure needs of states, municipalities and their decentralized public organizations, in order to improve the quality of life of the population and increase competitiveness.
Infrastructure is a pillar of development, which is why Banobras has innovative products and services focused on contributing to regional development through the promotion of financial mechanisms to:
Boost investment in infrastructure and public services.
Promote the financial and institutional strengthening of states, municipalities and decentralized public agencies.
To this end, Banobras has the following financing schemes:
Products:
Project Development: Banobras offers services aimed at assisting public sector agencies and entities in the development of infrastructure projects.
Financial structuring of the project:
- Elaborate and/or update studies required by the Public-Private Partnerships Law.
- Support in the review of the bidding conditions and contract model.
- Assist in obtaining financing for the project.
- Assist in the registration process of the project in the portfolio of the Investment Unit of the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP).
- Assist in dealing with any observations made by the SHCP Investment Unit.
- Support in the financial closing of the project.
The purpose of the Fondo Nacional de Infraestructura (Fonadin) is to serve as the Federal Public Administration’s coordination vehicle for infrastructure investment. It has one of the largest road concession networks in the world and manages the granting of financial support for infrastructure development, mainly in the areas of communications, transportation, water, environment, energy, tourism, urban and strategic and priority areas, supporting the planning, promotion, construction, conservation, operation and transfer of infrastructure projects with social impact and economic or financial profitability.
It has a wide range of products designed to strengthen the financial structure of the infrastructure projects that the country requires, from the conception to the completion of the projects, providing the following financial instruments that make the projects more attractive for financing with private resources:
Recoverable Support
- Simple Credits
- Subordinated Credits
- Guarantees
- Investments in Venture Capital Funds
- Infrastructure Trust Investments
- Financing of Studies and Advisory Services
Non Recoverable Support
- Contributions for Studies and Consultancy
- Contributions for Projects
- Project Grants
Contact: fonadin@banobras.gob.mx
Sustainability
Banobras makes available to interested parties, analysis sheets for the detection of sustainability practices in infrastructure projects, in accordance with the methodological framework “Attributes and Framework for Sustainable Infrastructure” of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Its objective is to highlight sustainable practices, encourage their adoption in future projects and provide relevant information for investors in their economic, environmental, social and institutional dimensions.
To review the projects that already have a sustainability record, select the “SEARCH CRITERIA>” option in the PROJECTS section, and then select “With sustainability record” at the end of the criteria; the projects that have a record will be displayed below.
In addition, Banobras offers an analysis tool that presents the potential relationship of the different infrastructure projects of the Mexico Projects platform with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda and their targets. This comparative analysis facilitates the use of data according to different criteria, such as the potential impact of projects and sectors against national and global development goals.
The comparison is only made between projects in the same subsector. To select and consult here.
The alignment of a project with the SDGs provides information on the degree of focus on sustainability; it provides a comparison between projects in the same sector and sub-sector and facilitates investment decisions, showing the highest and lowest alignment of projects to the SDGs. Comparative analysis facilitates the use of data according to different criteria, such as the potential impact of projects and sectors against national and global development goals.
In the case of the sector, 1 project is identified in the platform that have sustainability practices detection sheets, which allows to know, among other things, the projects with more and better alignments to the SDGs. For more information, access the Sustainable Development Goals application:
Greater alignment of the sector:
- SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities
- SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy
Lower alignment of the sector:
- SDG 14: Underwater Life
- SDG 10: Reducing Inequalities
- SDG 17: Partnerships to achieve goals
Ally Networks
Banobras, through its Ally Networks application, provides information on companies participating in competitive public procurement processes for infrastructure projects in Mexico, based on official sources such as CompraNet. It includes details on investment amounts, number of participations in bids, projects awarded, consortiums, and business associations, which allows the user to identify potential actors for the establishment of investments in the country.
In the application, you can consult on the sector:
- 1 project
- 11 companies
- 2 consortiums
Reference documents:
This section offers documents, reports and reports with technical, statistical and regulatory information on the sector:
- DOF: Federal Law of Telecommunications and Broadcasting
- DOF: AGREEMENT whereby the Plenary of the Federal Telecommunications Institute modifies various provisions of the Guidelines for the delivery, registration and consultation of information for the creation of the National Infrastructure Information System 2024.
- IFT: Annual Report 2023 | Users’ rights, risks, interests, preferences, trends or consumption patterns
- IFT: Practical Guide for the Deployment of Telecommunications Infrastructure 2024
- PROMTEL: Progress and Results Report 2023-2024 of PROMTEL’s Institutional Program
- SICT: Progress and Results January 2023- June 2024 of the Communications and Transport Sector Program