Mexico: Uno TV, not a problem for América Móvil

Mexican communications magnate Carlos Slim’s new streaming website Uno TV, which specializes in transmitting live news and sporting events, has been cleared by the country’s telecomm regulator, which has said the channel does not represent a violation of the existing prohibition on Mr. Slim’s companies rights to enter the TV broadcasting market.

“The Federal Telecommunications Institute’s board has found that there is no violation of the concession license granted” said Gabriel Contreras, the current president of the regulatory agency. “Having an internet site is not considered the same as a television service, which is regulated by the law.”

Contreras added that “the conditions necessary for the dominant agent to be allowed to broadcast television without restriction are specified in the law. We’re not there yet.” Among these conditions, Mr. Slim’s América Móvil will have to show compliance with existing rules for a period of 18 straight months, and the move must be analyzed by regulators to ensure competition will not be negatively affected. América Móvil has not come forward to request a change in their concession license, Contreras confirmed.

Full Content: Reuters

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