The reform opinion, which continues to be discussed, proposes modifying article 28 so that “the Internet service is provided by the State”; but the Chamber has suggested that the wording change to “the free internet service provided by the State in public places.”
During the administration of former president López Obrador, CFE Telecomunicaciones was in charge of enabling WiFi points, reaching a total of 82,218 points. 90% are installed in schools, Federal government buildings, rural medicine units and Liconsa and Diconsa points of sale, now Segalmex, in other places, according to information from the document 100 steps for the Transformation of President Claudia Sheinbaum.
But the reform opinion proposes that CFE Telecomunicaciones eliminate the limitation on the marketing of telecommunications services in certain places, as part of its current concession, and then provide connectivity service to all Mexicans operating like telephone companies.
However, the initiative does not specify whether CFE Telecomunicaciones, upon becoming a public entity, will have the power to share or lease its network, as well as the obligation to submit reports on its progress and the role that Altán Redes will play with the legal changes of the who currently operate under an infrastructure and income sharing agreement.
For Canieti, guaranteeing universal access to the internet in the country is a fundamental strategy, but it considers that it must be applied without compromising competition. The wording used in the reform project would allow “the State to enjoy advantages in the sector, generating a de facto monopoly that harms competitors, discourages investment and affects innovation and the quality of service.”
Even the wording of the opinion shields the naming of the state company as anti-competitive. The reform project states that “the internet service provided by the State will not be classified as a monopoly, it addresses the need to guarantee the right of people to access information and communication technologies, including broadband internet. , without this implying an economic benefit, but rather a State responsibility.”
This reality could become more palpable with the possible elimination of counterweights such as the telecommunications regulator, who until now is in charge of issuing the rules of the game to avoid market concentrations. But with its disappearance, the State would become a judge and part of the sector, leaving mobile telephone operators and fixed service operators defenseless.
“It is essential to ensure that the rules are equitable, guaranteeing a competitive environment that encourages innovation, continuous improvement of service, and that benefits consumers,” the document details.
Add Comment