Mexico Aims to Bridge Digital Divide by Eliminating Article 109

Mexico is set to eliminate Article 109 of the Federal Telecommunications and Broadcasting Law. This move is part of a new regulatory framework aimed at connecting 15 million Mexicans to the internet. The initiative addresses structural issues, including access gaps in marginalized areas and high service costs. The reform seeks to enable public and community operators to provide more equitable connectivity. Currently, 10 million people live in areas without 4G coverage, while another 4.4 million cannot afford internet service. Despite infrastructure improvements, rural connectivity remains limited, with only 26% connection in localities with fewer than 200 residents. Mexico also has the highest cost per gigabyte of mobile data among comparable countries, at $5.22. The reform includes separating functions of the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT). Telecommunications regulation will stay with the IFT, while economic competition will move to a new Anti-Monopoly Commission under the Ministry of Economy.