Mexico: Radio industry critical of new frequencies offers

Mexico’s National Chamber for the Radio and Television Industry (CIRT), an industry group, released a harsh statement against the country’s telecommunications regulator, IFT. The document warns the regulator that the plan to release 257 new radio frequencies for commercial use will not result in better competition, but in market over-saturation.

The chief of the IFT’s Radio Spectrum Unit, Alejandro Navarrete, responded to the CIRT’s complaints by highlighting that, for over 22 years, not a single new frequency has been added to commercial radio. “This is the first time in 22 years… And the first time in Mexico’s history where it’s being done through public bidding contests.” Furthermore, he added, the move has been motivated in part by the requests of various individuals (many of them members of the CIRT themselves) to increase the availability of frequencies in certain locations.

Finally, Navarrete made clear that there will be a series of requirements which all new bidders will have to meet in order to assure the technical, legal and management capabilities of bidders. Those who pass these tests will be given an official certification, allowing them to take part in the upcoming bid for frequencies.

Full Content: Radio Fórmula

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